Thursday 27 October 2016 16:51, UK
Kal Yafai is convinced his first world title shot will bring the best out of him as he targets a historic win over WBA super-flyweight champion Luis Concepcion.
The West Midlands fighter will challenge the experienced world champion known as 'El Nica' on the Anthony Joshua undercard in Manchester on December 10.
Yafai, who warmed up with a simple three-round win over Johnson Tellez on Saturday, admits he is facing the toughest opponent of his unbeaten 20-fight career.
But the 27-year-old is in confident mood as he attempts to become Birmingham's first world champion for over 100 years.
"Yes he is the world champion and yes he's good and the fact that he is coming over here does add some pressure, but I thrive on pressure," he told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview.
"I know it's all good beating these fighters I am expected to beat, quite comfortably, but when I beat someone of that calibre they will see I am the real deal.
"I've had mixed reactions from people on Concepcion. Some people say 'he's too good, boxed at this level too long and will be too good for you', but the others just say I am 'too fresh, too young and punch too hard.'
"I know he will be better than anyone I've faced before, but honestly, I believe I am going to do a real good job on him.
"When I do that, people will stand up and say 'that kid really can fight'."
Concepcion won the WBA title by outpointing two-time holder Kohei Kono in Japan in August and will make his first defence on his debut appearance in the United Kingdom.
But Yafai is hoping to make history by becoming the first world champion from his home city since bantamweight Owen Moran achieved it in the early 1900s.
"I am no expert, but I am pretty sure I will be the first world champion from Birmingham for a long, long time," he said.
"Matthew Macklin and Frankie Gavin gave it a go and it will mean a lot to me if I can go one step further. I know it's in Manchester but there will be plenty of fans heading there.
"I've already had a lot of people calling me, getting in touch on Twitter, the whole shebang and asked me for tickets already. I'll put Birmingham on the map if I win."
