THE man who stands in the way of Nottingham's Carl Froch becoming WBC super-middleweight world champion believes he can beat the Cobra in his own backyard.

Jean Pascal today said: "He is the Sheriff of Nottingham, but I am Robin Hood."

The 26-year-old has fond memories of fighting in England, after winning gold in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester at light-middleweight.

And he is confident he will leave the Trent FM Arena on Saturday night with the world title belt.

Pascal was Canadian amateur champion seven times between 1998 and 2004.

And since making his professional debut in 2005, he boasts a flawless record of 21 wins and no defeats.

He insists he is ready for the fight of his life against Froch.

He said: "I can't wait for this fight. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time and now it's time to deliver.

"I am 110% ready to face Carl and I can't wait to hear the bell.

"I have had eight long weeks of pain in training and now Froch is going to face pain.

"My greatest weapon is speed, and I am smart and agile."

Pascal said he will feel immensely proud when he steps into the ring.

"It will mean a lot to me," he said. "It is a great nation and I love this country.

"I have great memories from the Commonwealth Games when I beat Paul Smith to win the gold medal.

"Don't get me wrong, I know Carl is a good boxer. But I will win the belt. He is a solid boxer with a heavy punch. That is why he has 19 knock-outs.

"I know all about the power of his punches but I also know I am mentally stronger than him.

"He is the Sheriff in town but I am the Robin Hood."

Pascal says his mental strength will help him cope with the hostile atmosphere.

Most of the expected 7,000-strong crowd are likely to be rooting for local fighter Froch.

"I will handle that with my mind," Pascal said. "I am a clever boxer. It will be like the mongoose versus the Cobra.

"And we know the mongoose is the only animal that can kill the Cobra."

Fans are welcome at the official weigh-in today (4pm) in the Victoria Centre, outside John Lewis.