By Keith Idec

Jose Pedraza patiently has been waiting for an opportunity to make Gervonta Davis eat his words.

The brash Baltimore boxer clearly has rubbed Pedraza the wrong way during the buildup toward their 12-round fight Saturday night for Pedraza’s IBF world featherweight title in Brooklyn. Puerto Rico’s Pedraza (22-0, 12 KOs) is a slight favorite over Davis (16-0, 15 KOs), who has built his impressive record against a low level of opposition since he turned pro nearly four years ago.

“I let Davis do the talking,” Pedraza said following an open workout Wednesday in Brooklyn. “I like when people talk like that, because I get to shut them up on the night of the fight. He’s a Floyd Mayweather imitation. Just like all imitations, it’s not as good as the real one.”

Mayweather’s company promotes Davis and the retired superstar has helped mentor the 22-year-old prospect during his ascent to a title fight. Unlike the 39-year-old Mayweather, however, Davis is a southpaw who relies heavily on his considerable power.

“I feel ready to fight,” Pedraza said. “I’m anxious to get in the ring. I can’t wait for Saturday night and to show the whole world what I’m made of. I have the advantage in experience, and in reach and height.

“He’s going to try to bring pressure but I’ll be ready for it. Not only do I have more pro experience, but more amateur experience as well. All of these years of being on the big stage is going to help me in the fight. … I’m ready for any type of fight. The question is, will Davis be ready? If Davis gets tired, he’s going to have trouble in the late rounds.”

The Pedraza-Davis fight will open Showtime’s doubleheader at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT at Barclays Center. The main event will match IBF super middleweight champion James DeGale (23-1, 14 KOs), of London, against WBC world super middleweight champ Badou Jack (20-1-2, 12 KOs), of Stockholm, Sweden.

Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.