Tomorrow's eight-round clash with Argentina's Jose Saez is some way from being the biggest challenge in Rendall Munroe's career.

But the fight at Bolton's Reebok Stadium cannot be underestimated by the Leicester southpaw.

Munroe recognises that, too. After a magnificent 2010 in which he challenged for the WBC world super-bantamweight title, he has had a quiet 12 months by his standards.

In that time he has seen the careers of the likes of Scott Quigg – who tops the bill tomorrow in a British title defence – and Carl Frampton gather pace.

Meetings with either of those two could be further down the line and plenty will be at stake then. For that to happen, Munroe has to take care of the experienced Saez.

"I have to go out and show that I have got what it takes and that I'm still one of the best in the world," said Munroe.

"A lot of people have been asking, 'has Rendall Munroe lost his appetite?' Well, I'll be going out there to show I still have the hunger and the passion.

"Everything has gone perfectly. I'm on the weight and ready to go."

Both of Munroe's outings last year went to points decisions as he picked up comfortable wins against Andrei Isaeu in Manchester and Ryuta Miyagi in Sheffield. Neither could be described as an explosive performance, but each measured win served its purpose.

"It isn't all about fighting," said the former European and Commonwealth champion. "You have to have good boxing skills as well.

"I think in those fights I went back and showed everyone that I can box."

Munroe needs to mix up those tactics if he is to look good against a seasoned rival. The Argentinian has boxed just once in England, and it did not prove to be a memorable night.

Last April, he was stopped in three rounds by undefeated Alexei Collado in Barnsley as he was put down twice.

Going into his 40th fight, though, Saez has the know-how to give Munroe a good work-out. Two years ago he lost a unanimous eight-round decision to Steve Molitor shortly before the Canadian regained the IBF world belt.

Saez's 39 fights have seen him pick up 21 wins, 11 inside the distance. He has, however, been halted 10 times in 12 defeats.

Munroe, with 23 wins in his 25-fight career, should make that 24. If he can do that in eye-catching style, it will remind the division's young guns that he remains the man to beat.