Nikki Bascome says he can adapt to any style David Rangel brings when they meet in a Cinco de Mayo showdown at North Field tonight.

Bascome and Mexican Rangel came face-to-face for the first time at last night’s weigh-in at the Cricket Pavilion, both coming in at exactly the same weight ahead of their six-round welterweight bout.

Although Rangel was visibly taller than Bascome when the pair had the traditional pre-fight face off, it was the undefeated Bermudian who appeared the more muscular of the fighters. Described as having a typical Mexican style by his manager Manuel Garrido, Rangel finds himself at a career crossroads after losing five of his previous seven bouts.

Bascome, however, is not reading too much into Rangel’s 12-5 record and believes he will be stepping into the ring with a potentially dangerous opponent.

“I can’t overlook this guy,” said Bascome, who returned to the island on Wednesday from a two-week training camp in Orlando, Florida.

“A record is just a record and anything can happen. Mexicans are known to like a brawl, but I’ve seen a bit of him and he likes to move too. Either way I’ll adapt if I have to, although I’m just looking to fight my fight.”

Tonight’s bout will be Bascome’s third in five months, with the 26-year-old looking to build momentum from his previous outing, a unanimous points win over Guyanese southpaw Iwan Azore — his most credible opponent to date.

He also believes he is feeling the physical and mental benefits from staying active and has left “no stone unturned” in his preparations for Rangel.

“It was a good test for me [against Azore] and I overcame adversity and it has made me more confident in my experience,” Bascome said.

“I still feel as though I’m learning on the job and that win has helped me cope with the pressure a bit better.”

Rangel, 24, will be the second Mexican opponent Bascome has faced after demolishing Erick Reyes in two rounds at the Fairmont Southampton in November 2015.

Bascome’s boxing journey has accelerated since then and he will be realising a long-held dream of fighting underneath the stars in front of a big crowd at North Field.

“This has always been a dream of mine and it’s finally coming to fruition,” Bascome added.

“I’m excited about it and I’ve had this vision for a long time. I’m looking forward to bringing it to life.”

The undercard includes several amateur boxing bouts including Courtney Dublin v Jaylon Roberts; Matthew Tannock vs Gary Martinez; Robert Somner v Victor Santos; Zain Philpott v Kristan Browne; and Andre Lambe v Markees Hines.

General admission costs $60 and $95 for ringside, with tickets available at Caesar’s Pharmacy, Sports R Us, Hunt’s, and ptix.bm. For more information, e-mail bermudaboxingfed@gmail.com.

Philpott ready for full-time role, page 31