Michael Conlan gave a glowing review of Katie Taylor as he spoke ahead of his upcoming fight against Luis Alberto Lopez in May.
Taylor, according to Conlan, is the "closest person to a saint" he's ever met.
Taylor's next fight is against Chantelle Cameron at Dublin's 3Arena on May 20, in what will be a huge homecoming performance for the Bray native as she's never fought professionally in Ireland.
Conlan is scheduled to fight IBF featherweight champion Luis Alberto Lopez, seven day's after Taylor's homecoming, at Belfast's SSE Arena.
In what will be a monumental seven days in Irish boxing history, Conlan is "devastated" that he won't be able to attend Taylor's fight.
"I am half devastated as I would love to have been there. I think the atmosphere there will be absolutely crazy," Conlan said.
"Katie is a national treasure, a national hero. Every single person in Ireland will be wishing her to win, me included.
"She is the closest person to a saint that I have ever met, to be honest. And I am really looking forward to seeing her do it, and I believe she can."
The 36-year-old will attempt to become a two-weight world champion when facing off against Cameron, whose super lightweight belts will be on the line.
"It is a tough fight, and in my opinion it is the toughest fight she could take. I believe it is tougher than (Amanda) Serrano," Conlan added.
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