Caoimhin Agyarko lapping it all up as he prepares for latest test

Caoimhin Agyarko insists he is completely unfazed by the high-pressure stakes punctuating his burgeoning career.

The unbeaten Belfast boxer will defend his WBA International middleweight title against dangerous Mexican Juan Carlos Rubio at the Motorpoint Arena.

Agyarko made his debut under the Matchroom promotional banner in December with an impressive stoppage win over the previously unbeaten Noe Larios Jnr.

Caoimhin Agyarko in Holy Trinity tribute as he outlines world title dream

And he has promised to showcase his talent once again on the undercard of Michael Conlan's world title clash with Leigh Wood on Saturday night.

The 25-year-old told Belfast Live: "I enjoyed my Matchroom debut. It was an amazing experience.

"I am always critical and I know how good I am and know how good I can be. But you should always be critical of your own performances.

"I was inactive last year and a bit of ring rust set in, but I have no excuses now. This is my time to step up to the plate and show people what I am about.

"People talk about how I handle pressure. Pressure is for tyres. I have done this since I was seven years old. This is what I do, this is my hobby and I love it.

"I just have to go in and show people what I can do. I rise for the occasion. I have worked my whole life for this so I can't let it slip.

"I will always rise to the occasion."

Agyarko claimed his first professional title with December's win over Larios Jnr, but he insists his eyes are on bigger honours in the months ahead - and potentially a world title fight in Belfast.

"The real prize is a world title, and hopefully that's now too far away," he added.

"I have got myself in the world rankings now, so give me 18 months to two years and I will be ready for a