Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli will face former four-weight world titleholder and new Russian citizen Roy Jones Jnr. on Dec. 12 in Moscow.

Maccarinelli, himself a former WBO cruiserweight titlist, is 40-7 (31 knockouts) and has been alternating between light heavyweight and the 200 pound division for the past several years.

And while he respects Jones’ impressive ring achievements, and rates him as the greatest fighter of the 1990s, the 35-year-old Welshman is determined to halt the aging American.

“Jones was a great fighter, certainly the best of his era, and someone that I admired,” said Maccarinelli. “That has to be put to one side as I have my job to do and that’s to knock him out.

“It’s incredible how the Russian people have taken to Jones; he’s like a superstar here, with the media following his every move. It takes the pressure off me because I’m just seen an opponent for him, but I’m going to pull off a huge shock in December.

Maccarinelli continued, “I think Jones will be lifted to another level, fighting in front of his new ‘home’ fans. As my own fans know, I fight with my heart on my sleeve and always give 100 percent. This is going to be a really special fight.”

Promoter Frank Warren added, “(Enzo) has got to go to Russia, but I have faith in him and he’s not a fighter that you can write off. He’s got the punch power to turn the tables at any moment.”

The bout will be contested for the “regular” WBA cruiserweight title, which is not recognized by THE RING.

BoxNation in the U.K. will televise the fight live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

Information provided courtesy of a press release issued by Queensberry Promotions