By Jake Donovan

Tuesday's Fox Sports 1-televised headliner between Austin 'No Doubt' Trout and Joey 'Twinkle Fingers' Hernandez may appear to some as a mismatch. The view for Hernandez is an opportunity to prove there's more to his career than the perception of just another well-known opponent. 

The two collide at Hollywood Paladium in Hollywood, California, in a super welterweight fight. The show kicks off the Premier Boxing Champions' latest venture, 'PBC on Fox: Toe-to-Toe', which will air every Tuesday for the next six weeks and then twice per month on Fox Sports 1. 

"When you get opportunities like this - this is my chance to become a household name," insists Hernandez (24-3-1, 14KOs), who once served as a highly-touted prospect but has since endured rough waters.

The 30-year old southpaw from Miami came up through the ranks while fighting under the Don King Productions promotional banner. Once upon a time. that meant big news and additional exposure for a fighter. Today, it means reaching a certain point and then watching career level off while being shopped around to the highest bidder.

Such is the fate with which Hernandez was met, rebounding from a two-fight set with Ed Paredes—in which he was dealt a technical draw and the first loss of his career—to win eight straight. When it came time to advance to the contender level, Hernandez was put on the shelf for more than a year before accepting a less-than-ideal opportunity.

"I sat around forever waiting for my shot, and then said yes to K9 (Cornelius Bundrage) for one of the lowest purses ever for a title eliminator." 

Hernandez was issued a dismal $4,400 payday (before King's cut as well as anyone else who stuck their hands in Hernandez' pockets at the time) for an eventual 12-round loss to Bundrage in their super welterweight eliminator last January. He rebounded with a knockout win later in the year before dropping a lopsided decision to rising super welterweight contender Julian 'J-Rock' Williams earlier this year. 

Despite recent struggles, his confidence remains intact. Tuesday, Hernandez believes, is the start of a new career where the best is yet to come.  

"Shannon Briggs told me 4-5 years ago, you'll be one of those fighters who will get better as you get older," Hernandez recalls of advice given to him by his close friend, the former heavyweight champ who continues to pursue another run at the sport's top prize. "I feel like I have the right experience in my career to prepare me for this moment. I just need to convince people to believe in me. 

"There are fights in the past few years I look at for inspiration. Josesito Lopez beating Victor Oriz - that one fight where they count you out and where it winds up changing your career."

Lopez had to rally from behind for his breakthrough, but never quit trying in his eventual upset knockout win over Ortiz in their June '12 clash. The confidence Lopez maintained throughout came from the belief that he was in against a beatable top fighter. 

Hernandez has that same feeling in what he views as his potential breakthrough opportunity. Awaiting him is a former champion who has won three straight after hitting a rough patch of his own a couple of years ago. 

The fact that Trout has reemerged as a top player in the super welterweight division has Hernandez that much more eager for fight night. 

"Trout is among the top 154 lb. fighters is one of the best but also the most beatable," Hernandez believes. "They put him against slow fighters. I'm a fast southpaw and I move. I'm coming to fight. This is PBC, millions watching. 

"I feel like I have the right experience in my career. I had the tough fights, got caught and lost.  But I lost to Top 10 guys. This is my opportunty to show who Joey Hernandez is. I'm knocking him out or I'm getting knocked out." 

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene