Liam Davies admits he finds it hard to look back on his journey from the small hall shows to headline attraction as he prepares for his latest title defence writes Jack Heather.
The British and European super bantamweight champion will be aiming to add the WBO International title to his collection on July 29 when he takes on Jason Cunningham.
Only four years ago the BCB promotions-managed fighter was preparing for a four-rounder at Walsall Town Hall.
Now topping the bill at the International Centre in Telford for a third consecutive time, Davies said “I try not to reminisce too much.
“I am sure when It’s all over and I am an old man somewhere I can look back and appreciate the memories and times we have had but for now it's just on to the next.
“I have to big up the people of Telford for supporting and getting behind me.
“I’m just chasing my dream and to have the people of my hometown behind me is great.
“That will always be one of my greatest achievements, having people's love and support.
“There are world champions who can't even sell out arenas.”
The build-up has been full of animosity between the pair, but Davies concedes Cunningham does pose a real threat to his world title ambitions.
He said: “I wouldn't fight him if he wasn’t decent.
“As you can see from my last couple of fights, I don’t pick easy ones.
“I think it will be a good fight and he will bring the best out in me.
“He has been there and done it, I think he has like treble the number of fights as me.”
Cunningham, 33, previously held Davies’ European title and defended it twice before vacating the belt at the start of 2022 in pursuit of world honours.
A knockout defeat at the hands of Zolani Tete a little over a year ago cooled any world title aspirations, with ‘The Iceman’ now firmly set on reclaiming his domestic titles.
The Doncaster native will also mark a personal milestone on Saturday night as he reaches 40 professional bouts.
Undeterred by the vast gap in experience, Davies believes he can compete with anyone at super bantamweight and plans to prove so on Saturday night.
“I just believe I beat them all,” Davies said,
“At 122lbs I can rock it with anyone.
“If I can’t beat Cunningham, I don’t think I can become a world champion, but I am going to prove I am ready.”
Despite the hefty expectations on his shoulders, the 27-year-old looked anything but nervous as he stretched off after a hard session with stablemate Tyler Denny.
He said: “I am super excited.
“It's my time, the script has been written and I look forward to getting in there in front of my hometown live on TNT Sports.
“I think I am going to get him out of there.
“I am not sure what round, but I will get him at some point.”
“Maybe people have forgotten that I can punch but I am going to quickly remind them on Saturday.”
Davies’ four-belt showdown against domestic foe Cunningham will be the first boxing event on TNT Sport since their rebrand from BT Sport.