Rising super middleweight contender Jacob Bank moves into world-class territory when facing former world champion William Scull.

The two will meet in a crossroads matchup at Sydbank Arena in Kolding, Denmark, on Saturday.

"My mindset isn't focused on beating William Scull specifically — he's just another opponent I need to beat on my way to becoming world champion," Bank (17-0, 9 KOs) told The Ring. "I am looking forward to seeing what he brings to this fight.

"It's definitely a step up, there's no doubt about it. He's a great fighter with a high boxing IQ, and very fast as well, but nevertheless, I'm not afraid of him in any way."

In preparation, Bank has sparred with unbeaten light heavyweight Constantin Nanga (13-0, 9 KOs) and stablemate Oliver Zaren (18-0, 7 KOs). Both will appear as part of the undercard in eight-round action.

He also spent time training in London at the Peacock Gym, getting in some rounds notably with former middleweight title challenger Denzel Bentley (21-3-1, 17 KOs) and had European super middleweight champion Troy Williamson (22-4-1, 16 KOs) sparring him in Denmark.

"I sparred some really good boxers, and they have helped me to be 100 percent ready to step in the ring against Scull," he said. "But it is my whole camp in general that has been good, I am stronger, faster and better than ever."

The 24-year-old intends to draw from that experience and showcase his talents.

"If I had a message for the super middleweight division, it would simply be: "Watch out," he said. "This fight is important; the next step up in opponents. 

"My first goal is to become world champion and to achieve that I need to win my next fight. I think with a win over a former champion like Scull, I will put my name in the mix of really good fighters in the top of the super middleweight division." 

Bank's promoter, Kasper Holgersen of Primetime Boxing, believes this fight will be his fighter's proving ground.

"The plan for Jacob is one step at the time," he said. "So now he has to beat William Scull, and that will send a statement to the division. 

"We believe the Scull fight will show what a physical monster Jacob is. I see Jacob as a top contender, and I am sure that he will be a future world champion."

Scull (23-1, 9 KOs) amassed more than 300 amateur fights in Cuba before defecting to Argentina in 2016. His first nine fights took place there before it became clear he could make an impact on the world stage, brokering a deal heading to Germany in 2019.

That gave his career more focus and he became the IBF mandatory since besting Evgeny Shvedenko in July 2022. He bided his time until Canelo Alvarez was forced to relinquish the IBF title, edging past Vladimir Shishkin (UD12) for the vacant belt in October 2024.

The 33-year-old then met Alvarez for The Ring and undisputed 168-pound titles in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia but lost a unanimous decision during a forgettable contest on May 3.