Former four-weight World Champion Nonito Donaire is confident that he'll be able to block out the noisy Belfast crowd on April 21st.
Next week, the 'Filpino Flash' takes on Carl Frampton at the SSE Arena. Recently it was announced that the WBO Interim World Featherweight Title will be on the line.
"Frampton and I are both Champions and our fight deserves to be a 12-round title match," he told The Philippine Star. "I was told that the fight was upgraded a week or two ago and I think it’s great. It’s a reflection of how big this fight is."
Home favourite Frampton has built up a devoted following in Northern Ireland, and the atmosphere is certain to be deafening when The Jackal takes to the ring, but his experienced opponent is not concerned.
"I know the fans will go all out to cheer for Frampton in his hometown but that’s not a problem for me. Once the fight starts, my mind will just be focused on winning and I won’t hear the crowd."
On Friday, Donaire will leave his Las Vegas training camp for Belfast having sparred over 80 rounds with five or six different boxers. He believes sparring those different styles has helped him work on his adjustments.
"I had to cut down sparring long rounds to avoid peaking too soon but now, I’m back to sparring 10 to 12 rounds. Frampton’s not like anyone I’ve fought before. He reminds me a little of Fernando Montiel whom I knocked out with a single left hook in the second round in 2011," continued the 35-year-old.
"Frampton’s more of a straight-up kind of fighter and unlike Montiel, I don’t think he’ll give me a wide opening for my left hook. He’s both a boxer and puncher. Whatever style he’ll use, I’m ready so bring it on."
BoxNation subscription is £12 per month plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV. €15 per month plus €10 registration fee for ROI Sky TV customers. £11 per month with no registration fee for Virgin Media customers. £12 per month and no registration fee for TalkTalk, Freeview, EE, online and app (iOS, Android, Amazon) customers. No minimum term.