Ryan Burnett has taken inspiration from fellow Belfast fighter Carl Frampton as he prepares to challenge IBF bantamweight champion Lee Haskins.
The unbeaten 25-year-old is hoping to become Northern Ireland's next world champion when he faces Haskins at the Odyssey Arena in his hometown this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.
Frampton previously held world titles at two weights before his reign was ended by a points defeat to Leo Santa Cruz in January and Burnett is keen to emulate the success of the local hero.
"I have always looked up to Carl," Burnett exclusively told Sky Sports. "I've trained alongside him. I've watched him go from the amateurs to the professional ranks, to winning his first title, becoming a world champion, then multi-weight world champion.
"I've always looked up to him, because he's always been that step ahead of me. I get a lot of inspiration with the path that he has followed."
Burnett has watched Frampton closely in the gym, even trading punches with him in sparring, and believes he possesses a similar approach to the sport.
"I did a bit of work with him. When he was Commonwealth champion at the time, we did some sparring and stuff," said Burnett. "I was still an amateur, but nothing too serious.
"He's just a humble guy who works hard and knows what he wants. I think that is definitely a key part of his success. That's the way I am naturally, so I think I'm following the right path."
The 33-year-old Haskins can call on the experience of 37 fights, including two world titles defences, but Burnett is confident he can rip away the IBF belt this weekend.
"He's a very good, experienced, very tricky, and has only been beaten once in nine years. I think that speaks volumes in itself," said Burnett.
"He's a great world champion, but I think it's definitely there for the taking."
Watch Ryan Burnett challenge IBF bantamweight champion Lee Haskins in Belfast this Saturday from 8pm on Sky Sports 2.