“This is a fight that HBO wanted and I know that it’s a big step up for Sadam. Not just one step but 20 steps up,” said Mahmoud Ali, a member of Team Ali. “It’s a good opportunity for Sadam and it’s going to be a great fight. Eventually, you have to step up anyway, so taking somebody like Abregu is a big fight. Every fighter that is coming up, their time is going to come where they have to step up against somebody,”

The 30-year-old Abregu (36-1, 29 knockouts) has won seven straight fights, six by stoppage, since falling by unanimous decision to Tim Bradley in July 2010. Among Abregu’s victories during his run was a seventh round knockout against previously unbeaten prospect Thomas Dulorme in October 2012.

“Everybody has to take that one step up and I’ve decided to take this one. A lot of people are doubting me but I’m just blessed by God and I’m sure that I can do it. A lot of people are saying that it’s too big of a step up and that Abregu is going to knock me out,” said Ali, 26.

“But nobody knows what’s going to happen in that ring. Only God knows. Nobody knows what’s going to happen but I have a plan. I know that it’s going to be a great fight, and a lot of people are going to look forward to it. It’s going to be an exciting fight. Being on the undercard of a Bernard Hopkins fight, I’m excited about that.”

Ali (20-0, 12 KOs) has stopped four of his past six opponents and was last in action for a split-decision over Jeremy Bryan in August.

“I know that Tim Bradley out-boxed him but at times, he stayed inside with him. As for me, I’m just going to use my brains and I’m going to go in there and do what I do best. I do know that I’m going to get in and I’m going to get out and I’m going to be smart about it,” said Ali.

“I’m not just going to have a plan ‘,’ but I’m going to have a plan ‘A,’ a plan ‘B’ and a plan ‘C.’ That’s because I know Abregu is going to try to have different ways of coming in. I know that he’s going to have several things that he’s going to try to do, but I’m the type of fighter who can adapt.”

Abregu ended a nearly one-year ring absence with an eighth round TKO of previously unbeaten Jean Carlos Prada in April, rising from a seventh round knockdown to do so before his hometown fans in Mexico.

Having been out of action action since April 27 of last year because of a right hand injury, Abregu nevertheless was impressive against Prada, who had scored knockouts in three of his previous four bouts. Prior to Prada, Abregu scored a unanimous decision over Antonin Decarie, who entered their fight with a mark of 27-1.

“I’ve always known that this time was going to come. Who it was going to be against, I wasn’t sure. But HBO brings up Abregu and Abregu is a great fighter,” said Ali. “Like it’s been said, a lot of people have avoided him because of his power. He’s got that one-punch knockout power. So no matter who you are, he can catch you. But I just have to be ready.”