Jeff Fenech's warning for boxing prospect Harry Garside ahead of Australian title shot

"I just want to join that list," Tokyo Olympic Games boxing bronze medallist Garside said.

But a man standing in his way has fired a warning shot as Garside [1-0] prepares to face Manuer Matet [4-1] for the ANBF Australian lightweight title at the Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday night.

"You're not going to pass me bro, how are you going to join the list? Your medal is not going to fight for you, your name is not going to fight for you. It's just going to be you and me," Matet said.

Boxing legend Jeff Fenech says Matet offers a serious risk to highly-touted prospect Garside in the second fight of his professional career.

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"I'm not going to say he's going to beat you, but he's going to give you a lot of problems. For you guys to step up to the table to take these fights that are so, so difficult is a credit to you and your team, and to [promoters] No Limit for taking those risks," Fenech said.

"I just want the Australian public to know, don't jump on these guys backs when they're becoming world champions, let's all get together, support these guys now, let's sell out the Hordern Pavilion and watch these young guys who have got the world at their feet.

"I'm really expecting to see a war. This boy to my left [Matet] is what boxing is about, somebody who is hungry, who is doing something that is going to hopefully change his life.

"I remember when I was a young kid, it wasn't just about winning, it was about changing my life, looking after my family, putting food on the plate for my whole family and making everybody comfortable. I'm sure this young man is feeling the same way.

"Harry has certainly got one hell of a fighter in front of him. I'm proud of Harry for doing it, but it's not a fight I would have looked at for my guy having his second fight, I would have looked at it for maybe down the road. It's a very brave decision by team Garside and I'm sure they're ready."

A supremely-confident Matet says he's not just a risk, vowing to knock Garside out and burst the hype surrounding the 24-year-old who claimed Australia's first Olympic boxing medal in 33 years.

But Garside says he is willing to roll the dice on himself as he chases his second win from as many professional bouts.

"Boxing is boxing, this is all talk at the moment. Once we get in there, it's all business. I hope he's the best version of himself on Wednesday night because I know I'm going to be," Garside said.

"I know he's tough, I know he's credible, I know he's durable. I want to be as active as I can this year, this is a good hard fight to start the year. It's going to be fight after fight after fight, a step in the right direction for that world title."

Garside's fellow Olympian Paulo Aokuso will fight for the vacant ANBF Australasian light heavyweight title in his professional debut, taking on Michael Van Nimwegen [11-7] on the undercard.

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