To do so, Zaren (19-0, 8 KOs) will have to beat Jose Luis Navarro (17-2, 12 KOs) on Friday at Hipodromo de la Zarzuela in Madrid, the Spanish capital.

"I'm ready for it, this is exactly the kind of fight I've been working towards," Zaren told The Ring.

"Fighting away from home is something I'm used to at this point. I've had several fights abroad, so I'm comfortable with the situation and focused on the job I have to do."

The 26-year-old southpaw is well-versed on what to expect from his fellow challenger.

"Navarro is a solid, technical fighter, no doubt," he said. "He has skills, and I respect that. But I've prepared specifically for him, and believe I bring more to the table in the key areas. On fight night, I'm confident that will show."

The seven-year pro has prepared under former unified super middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler.

"Training with Kessler has taught me how to stay sharp and composed under pressure," he said. "He's been at the highest level and learning how to control those moments is a big part of what I'm bringing into this fight.

"We've studied Navarro carefully and built a game plan around his strengths and weaknesses. We've brought in the right sparring to match his style, and leaving nothing to chance. I'm coming to Madrid to take that belt."

The last time a Danish fighter was the European 168-pound champion came when Rudy Markussen claimed the title in 2004, with Mads Larsen holding the title a year earlier.

"It's been a long time since a Danish fighter in my division held this belt, and I'm determined to bring it back," he said.

"This is a huge opportunity for me to make a statement. Winning this title would put me where I want to be —competing with the best, both in Denmark and internationally."

Navarro has had stoppage defeats by Ronny Landaeta (TKO6) and Gustave Tamba (TKO2), though he later avenged the former.

Also 26, the Madrid native is riding an eight-fight win streak, including late finishes of Yoann Kongolo (RTD 11) and climbing off the canvas to beat Mustapha Zaouche (TKO 12) in October.