Caoimhin Agyarko insists he is completely unfazed by the high-pressure stakes punctuating his burgeoning career.
The unbeaten Belfast boxer will defend his WBA International middleweight title against dangerous Mexican Juan Carlos Rubio at the Motorpoint Arena.
Agyarko made his debut under the Matchroom promotional banner in December with an impressive stoppage win over the previously unbeaten Noe Larios Jnr.
Read more: Caoimhin Agyarko in Holy Trinity tribute as he outlines world title dream
And he has promised to showcase his talent once again on the undercard of Michael Conlan's world title clash with Leigh Wood on Saturday night.
The 25-year-old told Belfast Live: "I enjoyed my Matchroom debut. It was an amazing experience.
"I am always critical and I know how good I am and know how good I can be. But you should always be critical of your own performances.
"I was inactive last year and a bit of ring rust set in, but I have no excuses now. This is my time to step up to the plate and show people what I am about.
"People talk about how I handle pressure. Pressure is for tyres. I have done this since I was seven years old. This is what I do, this is my hobby and I love it.
"I just have to go in and show people what I can do. I rise for the occasion. I have worked my whole life for this so I can't let it slip.
"I will always rise to the occasion."
Agyarko claimed his first professional title with December's win over Larios Jnr, but he insists his eyes are on bigger honours in the months ahead - and potentially a world title fight in Belfast.
"The real prize is a world title, and hopefully that's now too far away," he added.
"I have got myself in the world rankings now, so give me 18 months to two years and I will be ready for a world title fight.
"I am only 25 years old so I have time. I am a 10-fight novice and I have the right learning fights at the right time.
"Look at other fighters' records after 10 fights and look at mine. I don't fight too many journeymen.
"There's no need to rush but I want to be stepped up at the right time."
Agyarko has fought just once in Belfast in his 10 professional bouts to date. That was in 2019 when he outpointed Paul Allison at the Ulster Hall.
He hopes another win or two will pave the way for a big homecoming show later in the year.
“That’s the plan, I want to headline shows in Belfast," he said.
"It’s a great to be on this card with three other Irish fighters (Conlan, Gary Cully and Tomas Carty). I spent time on the Irish team with Gary and Thomas, I’ve boxed with Mick at training camps and he’s from my hometown.
"It’s a great opportunity for me on this card but the plan is to go back home, and headline shows by the end of the year.
"I feel like after this fight or one more in the summer I’ll be ready for a big name.”
Read more: What channel is Michael Conlan vs Leigh Wood on? TV and live stream info for the fight
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