“I didn’t think I’d be fighting again to late February at the least as I’d only just fought, so I was enjoying Christmas,” he added.

“I was in the [Belfast] Christmas Market about 20 times and I was sitting with a big kebab, half eaten and then ‘here, do you want to fight?’.

“I was thinking it surely won’t happen but the next thing I’m sticking on my running gear because I’ve got to lose weight again.

“I’m back so soon but it’s part of the job. I love it, as soon as you’re in your routine you feel great again. Next month I’ll definitely not be fighting, I’ll be taking a wee holiday somewhere.

“It was Belfast v Belfast last time so I feel like there’s more pressure here. This guy is a more dangerous opponent, so I’m not taking my eye off the ball. He’s coming off a big win against Gary Cully so he’ll be confident in his approach to this fight.”