Paddy Donovan says the "biggest night in Irish boxing" awaits next week as he looks to take the IBF welterweight title off Lewis Crocker in Belfast after their controversial bout in March.
The Limerick fighter suffered the first loss of his pro career when referee Marcus McDonnell disqualified the 26-year-old last time out.
The boxer had twice previously been deducted points, and was eventually disqualified at the end of the eighth round for punching after the bell.
'The Real Deal’ was ahead of his opponent on all three judge’s scorecards at the time.
An appeal from Donovan’s team resulted in the IBF granting a rematch which would again serve as a final eliminator for the world title – but with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis moving up to super-welterweight, the huge rematch will now be for the vacant world title.
Speaking ahead of the title fight on 13 September, which will take place in Windsor Park, Donovan told reporters that he was a big supporter of moving the prized event back to Crocker's home town.
"It wasn't easy. Our end goal was to make sure that it was put in a bigger stadium", he said.
"I was pushing, trying to get Windsor Park or some big stadium for this fight, because I believe this fight deserves it. The Irish fans really backed this fight, and they really want to see the rematch.
"I'm glad that this happened, to happen in Windsor Park again, in Belfast. It’s a brilliant achievement," he added.
Given the often-fractious tug o’ war that can take place scheduling high profile fights like these, Donovan acknowledged that it took a lot of "politics" to stage the rematch.
When asked about being the away fighter, Donovan was quick to remind reporters that the crowd would not be a significant factor as far as he was concerned.
"The fans really doesn't bother me," he said. "I know there's going to be a lot of fans supporting me on the night. I just thrive on the occasion. It's what I want to do. This is the biggest night in Irish boxing history."
"We have to display our best boxing and whoever can do that will become a world champion, I don't think the crowd will have much effect on it really."
The rematch of the all-Irish contest is hotly anticipated given the stakes, but there was no sign of jitters or concerns from Donovan who thinks he is at the top of his game.
"I believe I'll get it done", said Donovan.
"As an athlete, I believe I can do most things in the boxing ring, and I think I can hold my own with any of the best fighters in the world at the welterweight division. That's not boasting or bragging.
"The years of grinding in the gym, the sparring that I've had, I believe that the best is still yet to come.
"I think the 13th of September, you're going to see a better me, the best me possible."
Like many from the Treaty County, Donovan was a multi-sport talent growing up. He tried his hand at handball, soccer, gaelic football; but his heart was always with boxing. The same can be said for his family.
His brother Edward ‘The Dominator’ Donovan is another pro fighter while his younger cousin Jim Donovan will make his debut on the undercard also. Boxing is more than a sport, it’s a family affair.
"Family is important to everybody. I'm surrounded by so many good people", said Donovan.
"We're surrounded by people that love boxing. I think my dad always kept us well disciplined, kept us in the gym, kept us grounded, kept us working, kept us in tune with things that was important instead of things that wasn't important, kept us a good company.
"I think it's very, very important that I was led down a great path.
"After that, it was up to me if I wanted to be a professional fighter or if I wanted to work hard in the gym. That was all down to me," Donovan explained.
"My goal was to be a boxer and that was the only thing I wanted.
"I live my dream."
