Zolani Tete has promised to ‘eliminate’ Paul Butler when the pair meet at the ECHO Arena on March 6.

The South African puts his IBF super-bantamweight crown on the line against the Great Sutton fighter, who drops a weight to challenge for his second world title.

Despite currently holding the IBF title, a resolute Tete believes the fight represents a big opportunity for him to further his own career.

“Fighting Paul will open doors for me because I know he’s a good fighter and one of the best in the world,” said the 26-year-old.

“When I beat him, that will be a big achievement for me and I promise you one thing, I am going to eliminate him. I’m going to bring him down!”

The southpaw from the Eastern Cape, who boasts a record of 19-3-0 with 16 knockouts, believes he knows what’s coming his way on the night.

“I am expecting a lot from Paul,” said Tete. “I know he is going to come out fighting, he’ll want to impress in front of the home crowd but that’s no pressure for me. Whatever he brings I will deal with it.

He added: “We know what to do when we are handling a small fighter like Paul. He’s a good boxer with good hand speed but together with my trainers we are doing everything that we know will make me win the fight. We will bring him down in the early rounds of the fight.”

Tete, a knockout specialist, says he won’t rush in looking for the big punch.

“If a knockout comes, it comes, and I won’t hesitate in finishing him off if the chance arises,” he said.

“One thing for sure is that I will bring him down.”

The South African has only fought two of his last six fights on home soil but says he doesn’t mind travelling to fight.

“It’s always a pleasure to fight in an opponent’s hometown,” said Tete.

“I’ve been around. I’ve fought in Mexico, Japan, Argentina, in very tough places against very tough opponents, so for me, coming to Liverpool is not a problem. I know what to do and how to react when I get in front of those crowds. I am perfectly mentally fit for everything they are going to throw at me.

“The fans in England love their boxing and they love their boxers so I know I what to expect.”

    Butler’s former club, Wirral CP, have their second show of the season at Vauxhall Sports & Social Club on Friday. Doors open at 6.30pm.