LAS VEGAS – Vladimir Hernandez appreciates the recognition and respect he earned when the Mexican veteran upset former 154-pound champion Julian Williams on October 9.

There are still skeptics, according to Hernandez, who doubt his abilities at the championship level. The 32-year-old southpaw plans to convince his remaining detractors by knocking off undefeated, highly touted Jesus Ramos on the Keith Thurman-Mario Barrios undercard Saturday night at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino’s Michelob ULTRA Arena.

The 20-year-old Ramos (17-0, 14 KOs), of Casa Grande, Arizona, is listed as a 12-1 favorite by FanDuel sportsbook. Hernandez (13-4, 6 KOs), of Cuidad Lerdo, Mexico, is certain Ramos will have to work much harder than those odds would indicate to continue his ascent in the junior middleweight division.

“I guarantee you that it’s gonna be a war,” Hernandez stated during a press conference Thursday at Michelob ULTRA Arena. “We’re going for it all.”

Hernandez went for it all when Williams got off to a strong start in their 10-round middleweight match on the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder undercard nearly four months ago at T-Mobile Arena.

The rugged Hernandez eventually wore down the former IBF/IBO/WBA 154-pound champion in the final four rounds and won on two scorecards. Judges John McKaie (96-94) and David Sutherland (97-93) scored their closely contested fight for Hernandez, who lost 96-94 according to judge Lisa Giampa.

Philadelphia’s Williams (27-3-1, 16 KOs, 1 NC) also was listed by Caesars Sportsbook as a 12-1 favorite over Hernandez in what was supposed to be a fight that kept Williams busy before another title shot in 2022. In his previous appearance, Hernandez upset faded former contender Alfredo Angulo (26-8, 21 KOs) by unanimous decision in a 10-round, 168-pound bout Hernandez took on one day’s notice in August 2020.

Ramos realizes just how well an ambitious Hernandez performed on his way to those two upset victories.

“I think the same thing,” Ramos said. “I think this fight’s gonna be a great fight. It’s gonna be a war. It’s two Mexican fighters going at it, and it doesn’t get any better than that. It’s gonna be a great fight.”

Ramos-Hernandez will be the second fight FOX Sports will distribute as part of a pay-per-view event scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET ($74.95).

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