Katie Taylor insists she's not taking her opponent Firuza Sharipova lightly ahead of Saturday's lightweight title fight in Liverpool but says she's also aware of the "bigger names" that she may face in 2022.
Taylor, unbeaten in 19 professional fights, comes up against the 27-year-old Kazakh fighter who has amassed a record of 14-1 since turning pro in 2016.
Interestingly, her only loss came in her first professional bout, against Sofia Ochigava, famously Taylor's opponent in the gold medal bout in London 2012.
"I'm very aware of the challenge on Saturday night. I haven't overlooked this opponent at all," Taylor told Thursday's press conference.
"I know what she brings. I am prepared for whatever comes my way on Saturday night.
"I am also aware that there are so many big fights out there for me and that the bigger names could possibly happen next year. I have to get through Saturday night first and then we can obviously focus on the bigger fights ahead."
In highlighting the dangers of going in under-prepared or complacent, Taylor recalled her amateur career, when she lost fights unexpectedly.
"There's so many upsets this year in the boxing world, where people have maybe gone into the ring under-prepared or overlooking certain opponents. That obviously can't happen.
"I've made that mistake before as an amateur fighter, where I've overlooked opponents and been beaten as an amateur. I've learned that lesson the hard way. So, I'm 100% prepared coming into this fight and 100% focused."
Saturday's fight night, with the bout between Conor Benn and Chris Algieri serving as the main-event, will be Taylor's first professional bout in Liverpool.
The Bray woman isn't the only Irish boxer in action on the night, with former national amateur champions, Belfast's Caoimhin Agyarko Hynes taking on Noe Larios Jr for the vacant WBA international middleweight belt.
A big Irish contingent is expected in Liverpool at the weekend and Taylor anticipates a rocking atmosphere on the English west coast.
"I can't wait. This is such an amazing card. There's so many packed fights. It's going to be an amazing atmosphere. There's so many Irish people travelling over so it's going to be a loud arena. I can't wait to get in there and perform."
