Monday 21 November 2016 16:36, UK
Eric Molina will attempt to become the latest American heavyweight to spring an upset in Britain when he battles IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
IBF champion Joshua will make the second defence of his IBF title against Molina at Manchester Arena on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Can his Texas-born opponent add his name to the list of US heavies who have pulled off famous victories on British soil? Here's a reminder of five painful American upsets from the past...
The much-loved Cooper, fondly remembered as 'Our Henry', suffered a number of setbacks during his dramatic ring career. A year after flooring Muhammad Ali during that gallant first defeat in 1963, Cooper had dropped a dull points loss to Californian Roger Rischer, but his defeat to Johnson was far more of a surprise.
Cooper had regained the British and Commonwealth titles and appeared to be moving towards a world title shot when he suffered another slip-up against Johnson. The Ohio man had posed problems on a previous trip, holding German favourite Karl Mildenberger to a draw in Berlin, and soon unsettled Cooper with a sustained body attack. Cooper's fragile facial skin was cut again in the seventh round and Johnson was awarded the points win after the 10th.
Johnson did not enjoy his next visit to Britain a year later, when he was disqualified in his fight with Brian London for persistent use of the head.
The chiselled Londoner made a more destructive start to his career than Joshua, racking up 21 straight stoppage wins, and Smith was expected to become another inside-the-distance loser.
Since being halted on his debut, the American had earned 13 wins against little-known opposition, and the battle with Bruno would be his first fight overseas.
Bruno had risen to No 9 in the WBC rankings and there was plenty of expectation on his huge shoulders after being heralded as Britain's latest heavyweight contender. But Smith would expose Bruno's limitations in full view of the media glare, withstanding the best punches from the Brit, who was dragged into a draining dogfight.
As they entered the last round, the favourite appeared to be labouring towards a points win, until 'Bonecrusher' trapped him on the ropes and delivered a final right hand that sent Bruno crashing to the canvas. A badly dazed Bruno could not beat the count and wore a stunned expression as he was cradled by his cornermen.
Bruno had repaired his reputation after that first defeat to Smith and the popular challenger would attempt to take the WBA belt from Witherspoon.
The stage was set at Wembley for Bruno to become the next British heavyweight champion and the Philadelphia fighter's flabby physique further raised the hopes of the home fans.
During a cagey contest, Witherspoon seemed to be coming off second best as he exchanged jabs with Bruno, and his left eye was almost swollen shut. But he burst to life in the 11th round, stunning Bruno with an overhand right, and three more big right hands dropped the Londoner to the canvas before the towel was thrown in.
Lewis based his career in Britain after winning Olympic gold for Canada and the London-born fighter became the latest heavyweight ruler on these shores when he defeated Tony Tucker on points to take the WBC belt in 1993.
After halting Bruno in his first defence, Lewis would make his third defence against McCall, an American nicknamed 'The Atomic Bull' who had already suffered five defeats, including a point loss to Tucker. Lewis was looking towards a world title unification clash with Riddick Bowe, the man he had beaten in the Olympic final, when McCall arrived in the capital with his promoter Don King.
The battle with Bowe would never materialise as McCall sent shockwaves through the division with a stunning victory. At the start of the second round, Lewis went to throw a big right and McCall beat him to the punch, unloading a huge right of his own that dropped the 6'5" tall champion heavily.
Lewis rose on wobbly legs and the fight was waved off, sparking wild scenes of celebrations from McCall.
Olympic bronze medallist Price had made devastating progress since switching to the paid ranks and held a perfect 15 fight record and the British and Commonwealth titles by the time he took on Thompson. The man from Maryland had suffered two defeats, both stoppages against Wladimir Klitschko, and Price was hoping to send out a message to the heavyweight ruler with a quicker demolition job.
But it was Price who would endure an alarming stoppage as Thompson, a wily southpaw, overcame an early onslaught and dropped the Merseysider with a cuffing hook in the second round. Price's legs betrayed him as he rose groggily and was rescued by the referee.
Thompson would inflict another knockout defeat on Price when they met again in July, but his wins have been called into question after the veteran tested positive for a banned substance following the rematch.
