This time it's for real.

Maybe that's the best way to describe Brian Minto's upcoming fight at Pullman Park.

The Butler heavyweight (33-2, 21 knockouts) is taking on unbeaten Donnell Holmes (31-0, 27 KOs) for the WBO's North American title Aug. 14 in the 12-round main event.

When Minto fought at Pullman last summer, the event greatly overshadowed the fight. The renovated ballpark was hosting its first pro boxing card in years and Minto's opponent, John Poore (20-2), had a good record against poor opponents.

Poore proved to be a poor match for Minto, who easily disposed of him in the first round.

Three other Butler fighters — Ryan Covert, Dave Cook and Jim Emrick — also fought on that card.

That night did a lot for boxing in this town.

The night of Aug. 14 could do a lot for Minto.

Make no mistake. Minto vs. Holmes is the show — and a great show it should be.

This will be the first time Minto's been in the ring against a fellow top-15 ranked fighter since he dropped a 12-round decision to sixth-ranked Luan Krasniqi in Germany in March 2007.

Minto has won all six of his fights since, five straight by knockout before he bludgeoned Matthew Greer for eight consecutive rounds at the Days Inn in April.

Minto showed what kind of shape he was in that night by maintaining a furious pace for all eight rounds. Greer's courage and ability to withstand punishment are the only reasons he was standing after the fight.

To show how seriously Minto is taking the Holmes fight — and he should be — he severed ties with longtime trainer Tommy Yankello and hooked up with world-renowned trainer Freddy Roach.

Minto left his family for six weeks to train with Roach in California.

For the past two years, Minto has been battling the state of pro boxing today, when fighters stay ranked despite staying idle for a year or more.

Contenders seemingly don't have to fight each other anymore, making it hard to climb the rankings. Everyone's worried about his won-loss record, ever so cautious not to put a number in the loss column.

Holmes isn't afraid. He petitioned the WBO for a shot at Minto, willing to put his unbeaten record on the line in Minto's hometown.

Minto has stayed active, fighting his way up the charts. He is now No. 8 in the WBO, No. 15 in the WBA. Holmes is No. 13 in the WBC and a win by Minto likely will get him ranked by that governing body as well.

Winning the WBO North American title virtually guarantees a top-five ranking, which would be a giant step toward Minto's ultimate goal of taking on Wladimir Klitschko for the WBO world title.

A loss will be damaging to either fighter in those efforts.

With so much to gain for both boxers, this fight could be a classic. By leaving town, Minto has been able to focus strictly on boxing, leaving the promotion to the promoters.

He knows what's at stake.

This time, it's for real.