They could have fought over a decade ago and have sparred several hundred rounds, but friends and former amateur teammates Daniel Geale and Jarrod Fletcher are adamant they can still surprise each other.
The two middleweight boxers headline a stacked December 3 card at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion, which has a NSW-Queensland theme and features three Australian title fights and the second pro contest of NSW Origin rugby league captain Paul Gallen.
The clash between Geale and Fletcher for three regional middleweight titles loom as a must-win bout for both men, each of who is coming off a world title loss in his last fight.
Geale and Fletcher were together at the Australian Institute of Sport from 2002-04 and even fought in the same division at the Australian amateur championships, but never faced each other in competition.
Instead, they have sparred many times, most recently earlier this year before they fought in New York two weeks apart.
Former dual world champion Geale lost to WBA super champion Gennady Golovkin and Fletcher to Danny Jacobs for the vacant regular WBA belt.
"We know each other very well,and we know plenty of little secrets and tricks," Geale said.
"We know our strengths and weaknesses we're going to have to take a few risks.
"When we were at the AIS, we expected to come up against each other at some stage and we have joked about it recently after sparring sessions.
Fletcher is certain he will be able to come up with something to surprise Geale.
"Definitely" Fletcher told AAP.
"We're working on a lot of things in the gym and I've just got to be ready for whatever Daniel throws at me on the night.
"Daniel has been been world champion, that world title still eludes me and I really want it."
Gallen will fight former Sharks teammate Anthony Watts, provided the latter comes through his pro debut on Thursday week.
The Australian title fights on the undercard feature Trent Broadhurst and Kerry Foley (light heavyweight), Renold Quinlan against Jake Carr (super middleweight) and Mark Flanagan versus Shane Quinn (cruiserweight).
Sydney Roosters NRL youngster Willis Meehan, the son of former heavyweight world title contender, Kali Meehan, will make his pro debut on the show.
Meanwhile Anthony's Mundine's next opponent Sergey Rabchenko has arrived in Australia from Belarus, confident he can vanquish 'The Man' in their November 12 bout in Melbourne.
"I think he's a a pretty big puncher with experience of many big fights, but I'm confident and will be ready," said Rabchenko, who has na 25-0 record.
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