Conah Walker is the name on the lips of practically anyone talking about Pat McCormack’s next opponent, yet Miguel Parra is the only fighter currently in front of McCormack.

A 30-year-old from Washington, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom, McCormack is set to face Parra in what is now a scheduled 12-rounder on Saturday at Rainton Meadows Arena in Houghton-le-Spring, England.

McCormack, 7-0 (5 KOs), who most recently retired veteran Robbie Davies Jnr in six rounds in February, is a fighter Matchroom believes can soon step up from regional UK attraction to world titleholder status. The fighter usually attached to a bout that would launch McCormack into that stratosphere is Walker.

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“The British [belt] against Conah Walker is the fight that everyone seems to be talking about, so I’m happy to have it next,” McCormack said at Thursday’s pre-fight press conference. “But I need to get through Parra first. I’ve got to keep winning, and then I’m just about there.”

Parra, 25-5-1 (17 KOs), a 32-year-old from Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico, is on a three-fight win streak, having most recently shut down Nestor Gonzalez in three rounds in Madrid last July.

“Conah Walker is a tremendous fight for Pat, but you can’t look past Miguel Parra,” said Matchroom CEO Frank Smith. “Pat needs people who are going to push him, and I think Conah Walker is a fight we will see one day – but it’s all about Saturday night.”

Walker, 16-3-1 (7 KOs), who in his past three bouts has beaten Liam Taylor, Harry Scarff and Lewis Ritson, may very well be on deck for fellow Brit McCormack. But Parra, a pro since 2013, is the sort of fighter capable of derailing McCormack’s plans if overlooked.

“It’s going to be the fight of my life,” Parra said. “I’m looking forward to this fight and everything that comes with it.”

What comes with a win for McCormack eventually could be that matchup with Walker. But McCormack seems to understand the assignment, including the imperative of not taking his eye off the business at hand this weekend.  

“He’s a very good fighter, a tough Mexican, but I believe I’ve got the skills to beat him,” McCormack said. “All that matters is winning and looking good.”