Kurt Walker has hailed Michael Conlan as the 'perfect sparring partner' as he prepares for his ring return this weekend.
The 27-year-old Lisburn fighter is part of a packed Irish card featuring at the SSE Arena on Saturday night.
The headline act will see Conlan return to action against Miguel Marriaga, his first bout since suffering a devastating knockout defeat to Leigh Wood five months ago.
Read more: Michael Conlan vs Miguel Marriaga TV and live stream info
"It has been my best camp to date. There has been a lot more detail in my training plan," Walker told Conlan Boxing's Colm McGuigan.
"Working on stuff I have made mistakes on and trying to fix it. So improving all the time and I am very happy.
"There is a good atmosphere in the gym, especially with the fighters there. There is such a variety and everyone is at different stages of their careers.
"And it makes it easier getting up in the morning. And when everyone is going full pelt it drives you on."
Walker has hailed Conlan as one of the best featherweights in the world, and believes sharing the ring with the Falls Road man will benefit both men.
The pair have been working together under trainer Adam Booth in England.
"For me, there is no better sparring partner. Michael is one of the best featherweights in the world right now," Walker added.
"Fo him it is good. For him to work on things with me, stuff that I bring to the table that he likes to work on.
"But for me it has been brilliant, and I have been getting good sparring in Marbella with a lad from Norway who is 16-0. He is very good and tough.
"So all of that is brilliant experience."
Walker's opening two fights as a professional have both been on the road. They have also been on massive undercards.
He stopped Jaroslav Hriadel with a devastating body shot on the same bill as Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall, and then returned with another win on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte.
He will have plenty of support this weekend at the SSE Arena, but doesn't believe the added spotlight will pile on the pressure.
"The only pressure on me is the pressure I am putting on myself," he said.
"I want to improve with every fight. I felt in my last fight I was a bit sloppy.
"I maybe tried knocking him out and started doing things I don't usually do. So it is about learning from that.
"The only pressure I have is on myself to do well."
As for Saturday's fight, Walker added: "My main goal is to win, and do it in style. If the knockout comes, it comes, but I won't be pushing for it.
"I will take the opportunities when they come. I am in a good position in that I believe they will come.
"I can definitely see this being my best performance as a pro.
"After that, get back out in October and hopefully in Ireland or the UK. And then finish off the year in New York in December."
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