TJ Doheny does not feel out of his depth as he prepares for the daunting task of dethroning undisputed super-bantamweight world champion Naoya Inoue in Japan on Tuesday afternoon.
Now 37, the former IBF super-bantamweight title holder will get the chance to regain the belt he held for 10 months in 2018-19 along with the WBA, WBC and WBO editions of the title.
The Portlaoise fighter has been written off as he faces one of the pound-for-pound stars of the sport.
Inoue holds a record of 27-0, with 24 knockouts, and is a megastar in his homeland.
The 31-year-old is a four-weight world champion and nicknamed 'the monster' due to his remarkable power, but Doheny believes he can at least produce a creditable performance.
"Everything is in perfect condition I couldn't ask to be in a better position right now and I’m really honoured to be challenging for the undisputed world championship," he told a press conference this morning.
"I belong at this top table."
Doheny has benefited from three victories in Japan against Kazuki Nakajima, Japhethlee Llamido and Bryl Bayogos.
That propelled him to securing the fight with Inoue, providing name recognition for the home audience as they seek to watch their hero secure another knockout.
The away fighter has claimed he always felt he would again fight for a world title, despite a run of four defeats in six bouts in 2019.
One of those came at the hands of Michael Conlan in Belfast in 2021, a loss which indicated his time at the top table was over.
Now he has the opportunity to make Irish boxing history, even if it is the toughest possible scenario when facing Inoue.
"My motivation has come from tasting being a world champion and trying to get back, but it is hard to get up for fights when they’re not world championship fights," Doheny admitted.
"I’ve always had the self-belief that I belong at this top table with these champions and I’ve always believed I’d get back here.
"It has taken me a bit longer than I imagined but I’ve enjoyed the climb and I’m ready to put on a good show on Tuesday."
Hall of fame promoter Bob Arum feels Doheny does have some hope.
He said: "Naoya Inoue is a generational talent, and every time he fights, the boxing world stops to watch the master at work.
"TJ Doheny is a veteran who can never be counted out, as he’s defied the odds many times when fighting in Japan."
The bout is scheduled for around 12.15pm Irish time on Tuesday.
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