Middleweight contender Austin Williams is grateful he’s fighting Saturday.

Williams (18-1, 12 KOs) is just on edge and apprehensive that it’s coming against Ivan Vazquez, a familiar foe he admires after sharing nearly 60 rounds of sparring with him.

Vazquez (11-0-2, 8 KOs) stepped up Wednesday after Williams' original opponent, Etinosa Oliha (21-0, 9 KOs), was forced to pull out of their IBF title eliminator because of an eye issue that was flagged during the pre-fight medical ahead of their bout at The Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, as part of a Matchroom Boxing card on DAZN.

“I’m thankful he came in to save the day and my training camp was not wasted, but this fight seriously hurts me,” Williams said during Thursday's press conference. “I’m ready to really harm and hurt somebody. It hurts me because I personally know Ivan and his father. They’ve been good people, but boxing is business. I’m glad they are getting a good payday. It just hurts me that I have to do what I have to do.”

Williams has strung back-to-back wins since a stoppage loss against Hamzah Sheeraz in a step-up fight in June 2024. He recalled his spirited sparring sessions against Vazquez during the earlier days of his career.

“I remember walking away from that sparring, reminding myself that I am the best,” said Williams. “I truly strived to get better. It wasn’t sparring that I had to go back and reassess myself. Everyone knows that I am on a different level. There is a reason why I am a top guy on the planet.”

The unknown Vazquez will be fighting in the first 10-rounder of an 11-year career that has mostly unfolded in the Texas boxing circuit against unheralded opposition.

“He’s a whole different fighter. He’s a great athlete,” said Vazquez. “We had pay-per-view-level sparring that everyone gathered around for. It never crossed my mind that I would ever fight him. But look at us now. I’m thankful for the opportunity. I’m approaching this like it’s a world title opportunity for me. It’s going to be a great fight and a great show, and I will give it my best.”

The uneasy Williams signed off with a somber statement on how their slugfest would unfold.

“He won’t be able to walk out of the ring by himself. He’ll need help, and I’ll be sad about it,” said Williams. “It’s mechanical. It’s calculated. It’s not personal. I am programmed to do these things. I am sad that he signed the contract.”