The 2020 Olympic silver medalist and highly rated light heavyweight will take on Richard Rivera on the Xander Zayas vs. Jaron Ennis card on Saturday at Barclays Center in New York on DAZN Pay-Per-View.

In his last two fights, Whittaker’s opponents have failed to make it out of the first round. The 29-year-old U.K. native isn't predicting another early knockout of Rivera, only that he expects to control the action from beginning to end.

“It can go however I want it to go,” Whittaker (11-0-1, 8 KOs) said during Thursday’s press conference. “I feel like I’m prepared for anything in that ring. I see some chinks in his armor.”

Rivera (27-2, 20 KOs) is a gigantic underdog. And for good reason: The 35-year-old from Connecticut is taking a significant step up in opposition and hasn't fought in 1½ years.

Still, he talks a good game. He has issued threat after threat in the buildup to the fight. And Whittaker has heard every word, including Rivera's prediction that he'll score a knockout.

Whittaker believes his opponent is setting himself up for failure.

“He’s talking about he wants to knock me out," he said. "That sounds like music to my ears. The way he comes forward, he’s gonna get clipped with something sweet. If he wants to go on the back foot, he’s gonna get broken up.

"For me, it’s gonna be a beat down, it’s gonna be surgical.”