Ryan Burnett believes his time has come as he prepares to face IBF world bantamweight champion Lee Haskins on June 10.
The fight will take place in Burnett's home city of Belfast and the British bantamweight champion is determined to make the most of his opportunity to impress.
"This is something I have been wanting for a long time. It's not long ago I was sitting here on the undercard of another fighter, thinking to myself 'one day, this is going to be me'," he said.
"Through all the hard work and some ups and downs, I am eventually here and I am very excited for this fight.
"I can't wait to get my hands on that world title and start bringing fights back to Belfast.
"I know on the night I am going to have a tough fight. Lee Haskins has only been beaten once in nine years, so that goes to show the level of this guy.
"He has been there, done it, and is a great world champion. He is a very good fighter but I know this is my time. This is where I take over.
"Father Time catches up with everyone and it is time for me to take over and for him to step aside."
Haskins also showed due respect to his opponent but is keen to show that, at the age of 33, he is still good enough to be a world champion in his weight division.
"I have watched a lot of Ryan Burnett over the years, even before this fight was announced, and I've always thought he was a great talent," he said. "He's sharp, strong and a very good boxer.
"He is working now with Adam Booth, who is an amazing trainer, so I think both of them will be more than ready for this fight.
"I am getting older now and I am coming to the end of my career but this is why we want fights like this, against young, hungry, top fighters like Ryan Burnett.
"I want to see if I still have it and if I can be world class. As you are world champion you are never going to get an easy fight and I just want to prove to the world I can rock it with the best."
