The 32-year-old Albanian is determined to make the most of his opportunity in Oberhausen, Germany, having seen their April 25 date in Paris postponed during fight week.

"It was a shame, especially considering that Samake and I were perfectly ready for it," Hadribeaj (22-0-1, 8 KOs) told The Ring.

"But I did not dwell much on it, this is something that can happen in boxing, so for me, the smart thing to do was to not let disappointment get to me and focus on what was the best I could do from the moment I knew it fell off."

Hadribeaj, who has fought much of his career in America, as well as more recent outings in Uzbekistan, Germany and Croatia, feels he's more battle-hardened than Samake.

"He's a good fighter, strong, young, hungry—I respect that," he said. "But I've seen everything already. Experience beats hype.

"He's an emotional kid. When you push him, he reacts instead of thinking. That's where I live—breaking guys mentally, not just physically. Once I take his timing, the rest follows.

"He's stepping in with a man who's been through real fights, not just built for the spotlight."

As usual, Hadribeaj has trained in Miami at the Boxr gym for three months with manager-and-trainer Donato DeMartiis, aware of what potentially awaits him with a victory.

"This is not just a fight—it’s the door to the world title," he said. "I've been working for this moment my whole life.

"Winning here doesn't just change my career; it puts me exactly where I belong—at the top."

His promoter Ahmet Oner believes his fighter has come a long way to reach this career-best opportunity against Samake.

"In the beginning, I wasn't sure – what is Ermal? Is he fish or meat?" said the straight-shooting promoter. "We weren't sure, but he developed himself, showed a lot of progress and I like what I saw."

Oner swooped in and claimed the fight's promotional rights when it went to a purse bid after the original fight didn't materialize.

"I'm proud to announce the fight will happen in Oberhausen - close to my backyard," said Oner. "Samake must be a good fighter; he is the WBC No. 1. I expect a good fight, it will be tough.

"I trust in Ermal, of course he has a very tough guy in Samake, he is a strong guy, a different level to what [Ermal] to what he fought so far, we will see. My boy has to step up and he will do."