Thursday 28 July 2016 16:27, UK
Josh Warrington believes his support will see him pass his toughest test so far and set up a world title challenge.
The Leeds featherweight takes on Patrick Hyland a the First Direct Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.
Warrington (23-0-KO4) is ranked number one by the WBC and even if his rival, IBF champion Lee Selby, has snubbed the show and will be ringside in New York to see Carl Frampton challenge WBA Super holder Leo Santa Cruz, the 25-year-old expects his fans will help him secure a shot at a world title this year.
"I am buzzing to be back here," Warrington told Sky Sports News HQ. "It's a stacked card and it's going to be a big fight between me and Patrick. He is one who gives it his all and I am a fella who tries to throw 500 punches around so it's going to make it an entertaining fight in an entertaining show.
"The fans are all excited. They are desperate for a world title but this is the stumbling block in the way I've got to get through this and if I get through, the world title is on the horizon - it will be the next one after this.
"The fans need to be 100 per cent behind me on Saturday because like I say it is going to need the very best Josh Warrington to beat me.
"There is no way I am looking at this as an easy fight; it's definitely my toughest fight to date."
Hyland's last fight saw him lose his world title challenge to WBC holder Gary Russell Jr in April and has crossed the Irish Sea to try and secure a second crack by beating Warrington in his own backyard.
The 'Leeds Warrior' knows he will have one of British boxing's most vociferous support behind him but believes the visitor's experience will make it tougher than most expect.
"Hyland is massively experienced, he's tough and you can't pay for that experience when you go to America and spar in the different gyms and he's fought over there and been on massive undercards there in the past," Warrington added.
"He's been around for ever and his record speaks for itself. He knows how to finish guys, he knows how to put them away and I've got to be 100 per cent on my game."
Dubliner Hyland is seven years older than Warrington and he knows he is in for a long night but all is in place to spring a surprise.
"I am going to have to hit him and hit him hard and slow him down," Warrington said. "Hopefully the bit of punch power I have might slow him down. I see it as an old bull versus a young bull and the old bull has to have some tricks!"
