Anthony Karperis is a headlining boxer now at the Paramount

The venue is familiar. Even the opponent is familiar.

But what will be different for Anthony Karperis on Saturday night is that he is fighting the main event. After appearing in supporting roles on numerous boxing cards at the Paramount Theatre, the spotlight finally is on Karperis.

In the first main event of his career, Karperis (12-2, 4 KOs) defends his New York State junior welterweight title against Ariel Duran (9-8-1, 5 KOs) at the Paramount on Saturday.

The card marks promoter Joe DeGuardia’s 25th promotion at the Huntington concert venue since 2011. Karperis has fought 13 undercard bouts at the Paramount.

“This is a dream come true,” he said. “Fighting the main event at the Paramount, in front of all my family and friends.”

This is the second meeting between Karperis and Duran. In July 2014, Karperis won a four-round decision.

“There was more I could have done,” said Karperis, of Hicksville. “I got the win, but I am happy to redo it. It will be a different fight. He’s a game fighter, he comes to win. But he has a lot flaws that I plan on capitalizing on.”

Former world champion Chris Algieri and contenders Cletus Seldin and Joe Smith Jr. have all reached the next level of their careers with a steady stream of fights for DeGuardia at the Paramount.

“I want to follow in their footsteps,” said Karperis, who has trained with all three of them. “When you see it happen to someone you know, it’s not just a dream, it’s reality.”

Karperis and trainer Billy Dresser have worked hard preparing for Saturday’s 10-round distance. Karperis credits working with Algieri for his approach to this fight.

“I was included in one of Chris Algieri’s training camps,” he said. “I got to witness first hand how to train without burning yourself out. I learned the strategy of structuring a training camp by being in his camp. I am looking to keep going, just like Chris.”