Yoenis Tellez couldn’t have asked for a better start to his career. He’s remaining both active and putting on the sort of performances that have turned heads.

Easy, would be a good way to describe his path thus far but this Saturday night, he doesn’t expect it to be all sunshine and rainbows anymore.

In Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Tellez (9-0, 7 KOs) will stand across the ring from Julian Williams. In terms of experience, the Philly native has plenty of that. And while most believe he isn’t quite the same fighter who was a unified champion back in 2019, Tellez knows that it won’t be a walk in the park come fight night.

“It’s absolutely my biggest challenge in my short pro career so far,” admitted Tellez during a final press conference. “Julian Williams is a skilled fighter who has a lot of experience.”

When it’s all said and done, Tellez is hoping that some of the experience that Williams has will rub off on him and make him that much better. Currently, the smooth hard-hitting Cuban has lofty goals and dreams. As he looks around, he detects something important.

On Saturday night, Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach, who will share the main event stage, are current world champions. Up and down the card, he also notices that there are titles littered everywhere. As for himself, he’s ostensibly a long way away from getting his hands on one of those 154-pound crowns.

Getting a shot at any of the present-day belt holders seems like a stretch, at least for now. That could all change in the blink of an eye. With a win, not only does he believe he will announce himself to the rest of his division but more importantly, it will send a crystal clear message.

“This Cuban fighter is here to stay and he's coming for all the titles.”