Maccarinelli and LaMontagne are both knock-out specialists

Maccarinelli makes the sixth defence of his title against the American on 21 January in Bridgend.

LaMontagne, 35, is a former model but has warned the Welsh champion that looks can be deceiving.

"I will still be able to get work modelling because Maccarinelli isn't going to be the first to re-arrange my features," LaMontagne said.

"I would rather he think that I'm a pretty boy who can't fight, because it will be a big shock to him on when he finds himself in the fight of his life to keep hold of his title and facial features.

"Maccarinelli won't need any trainers or seconds working in his corner - he'll need my make-up girl to work on him after I've finished with him."

On paper LaMontagne - who has modelled for major fashion labels Calvin Klein, Versace and Hugo Boss and had a bit-part in the Robert DeNiro movie Flawless - has an impressive record.

"The Mountain", from Everett in Massachusetts, has 24 knockouts in his 29 wins, with six defeats and has held the USBF Cruiserweight crown.

But LaMontagne only returned to the ring in June after a year out of the sport and lost his comeback fight after a second-round stoppage to Chris Thomas.

He beat Allen Smith in one round last October, but Maccarinelli is a massive puncher himself with 14 knockouts in 20 fights.

The Welshman's only defeat came more than four years ago to journeyman Lee Swaby and Macca has never looked back since.

He is now undefeated in 16 fights, culminating in September's third-round stoppage of Dane Jesper Kristiansen.

Golden clash beckons for Arthur

On the undercard, the main support sees Cwmbran middleweight Gary Lockett pitted against London southpaw Allan Gray.

But there is also what promises to be a battle royal between Jamie Arthur and fellow Commonwealth Games gold medallist Haider Ali.

Fellow Welsh fighters Tony Doherty and Barrie Jones will also feature, whilst Swansea heavyweight Darren Morgan and Newbridge middleweight Kerry Hope will make their professional debuts.