There reached a point where Almicar Vidal knew a drastic move would be required to take his pro career to the next level.

The continued pursuit of greatness has included a change of scenery, with the unbeaten Uruguayan regularly training in the United States for his past several fights. The ability to train in the Coachella, California facility established by promoter Sampson Lewkowicz has helped transform the 25-year-old into a blue-chip middleweight prospect.

“It has been amazing to have the opportunity to spar in the U.S.,” Vidal told BoxingScene,com. “I’ve been training for six hard weeks, getting in good shape for this. My goal for Saturday night is just to have my hand raised.”

Vidal (12-0, 11KOs) will have to get past Immanuwel Aleem (18-2-2, 11KOs) in order for that moment to occur. The bout airs live on Showtime this weekend from AT&T Center in San Antonio, in support of the undisputed junior middleweight championship between Jermell Charlo (34-1, 18KOs) and Brian Castano (17-0-1, 12KOs).

It’s the first fight of 2021 for Vidal, who has come into his own as a rising middleweight. He enters this weekend having scored three straight knockout wins over previously unbeaten opposition, none lasting longer than two rounds.

Already a gifted power puncher prior to his stateside arrival, Vidal has shown vast improvement in his technique with each fight. A significant part comes with world class training sessions with talent such as current Top 10 junior middleweight contender Sebastian Fundora among others at the Coachella facility.

“Sparring with guys like Fundora has opened up so many more doors for me, learning so many new things in the sport.," Vidal admits. "I’m figuring out what I can do, what I can’t do. These high-level sparring partners have helped immensely.”

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox