Michael Zerafa insists Wednesday's world title eliminator against Issac Hardman isn't do or die for his boxing career, saying he feels in peak condition both physically and mentally.
The middleweight showdown at Melbourne Convention Centre looms as the biggest fight of Zerafa's career.
The victor will take on Brazil's new No.1-ranked contender Esquiva Falcao for the IBF belt after unified world champion Gennady Golovkin opted to vacate the division and chase a third bout against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.
That IBF world title fight will also be held in Melbourne, set to follow the defence of lightweight world champion George Kambosos at Marvel Stadium in June.
Such opportunities are rare but 30-year-old Zerafa isn't worried about it being a last hurrah.
"Everyone thinks you're old and past your use-by date but it's the opposite, it's young and dumb," Zerafa told AAP on Saturday.
"I'm at my peak. I've matured as a fighter and an athlete.
"I'm working smarter, not harder, and mentally and physically I feel like I'm in one of the best positions I've really ever been in.
"When I was younger, I used to work so much harder and do everything wrong, which I thought was right, but the penny's dropped and I know what needs to be done."
Zerafa, whose record is 29-4, 18KO, said his preparation to take on 25-year-old Hardman (12-0, 10KO) had been ideal.
He said that for the past five weeks he'd spent all of his time at the gym or home to ensure he dodged COVID-19.
The threat of the virus was given as the reason for his late withdrawal from a Tim Tszyu bout last year, with Zerafa hoping this week's fight can help put that low point behind him.
"Some camps, it's been up and down but this camp has had no interruptions," the Melbourne fighter said.
"Everything just been so smooth and we're exactly where we want to be five days out."
With no love lost between Zerafa and Queenslander Hardman, the veteran felt well-equipped to deal with all the ex-MMA fighter threw at him.
"He's a tough kid and I know he's hungry and he's going to come bring it, but I don't think he's going to bring anything that I haven't seen before," Zerafa said.
"With my experience, he's overlooking a lot.
"I'm just going take it as the fight comes but I truly believe that I'll get my hand raised and I'll teach them a few things on the way."
