EXUDING the ultimate confidence and strapped with a wooden axe, Jamaica’s Nicholas “Axeman” Walters arrived in the island yesterday for his World Boxing Association’s (WBA) Featherweight title fight against Colombian Daulis Prescott set for the National Indoor Sports Centre on Saturday.

Dubbed “Rumble on Jamrock”, Walters, 26, will be trying to be the first Jamaican to lift the Featherweight crown following three failed attempts by Bunny Grant, Percy Hayles and Richard ‘Shrimpy’ Clarke, who lost in the 11th round to Sot Chitalada of Thailand, 22 -years ago on September 7, 1990.

“Three boxers in Jamaica have fought for the title and I’m like number four and I’ve learnt from their mistakes and come Saturday night you will see what I’m talking about,” Walters told the Jamaica Observer on arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport.

Walters, who is managed by Haitian Jacques Deschamps — who has close ties with Jamaica — also has an impressive record of 21-0 with 17 knockouts and has steadily worked his way up the rankings to the No 1 spot and earned a WBA title shot against champion Celestin Caballero.

However, Caballero had issues with the WBA and gave up his belt instead of making the mandatory title defence, paving the way for Walters to meet the No 5-ranked 26-year-old Prescott, who has an impressive 26-1 record.

Ominously, Prescott has won 19 of those fights within the distance for a 63.33 per cent KO record.

“I know he’s a strong fighter, pretty good boxer because I watched two tapes of him and my coach and I have made our game plan and we know what we’re going to do,” said Walters.

Walters, who was accompanied by Panamanian trainer Celso Chavez, was met by Jamaica Boxing Board of Control’s (JBBC) general secretary Leroy Brown and family members, and was in high spirits.

“I know definitely I am going to be OK. This fight is a dream fight and I’m going to make use of my opportunity,” said Walters.

“Every boxer has to be self-motivated, self confident and the first thing that leads to a defeat is you defeating yourself. I’m pretty confident and I’ve been working hard.

“You can cheat the people, but you cannot cheat yourself. I’m the one taking the licks and giving the licks, so I can’t cheat myself. I put in a lot of work and I’m going to show it in the fight,” he said to a nodding approval from his father and first trainer Job Walters.

“I’ve been working out real hard for some months now running the hills in Haiti, came to Jamaica, then went back to Panama and setting up a training camp,” revealed Walters.

“I’m in tip-top shape. My final sparring session I did 12 rounds with three different boxers and my coach loved the way I’m working out. I’m pleased with my condition and pleased with the work that I have put in for this fight,” he reiterated.

Walters is scheduled to have a public workout either today or tomorrow at the Stanley Couch Gym. The weigh in for both fighters will be on Friday.