Carl Frampton has promised a statement win in Last Vegas on Saturday night as he plots another world title shot.
Talks appear to be advancing towards a potential showdown with WBO world super-featherweight champion Jamel Herring in 2020.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has even suggested that fight could happen in Belfast next Spring .
But first the Jackal has to see off the relatively unknown Tyler McCreary in Sin City on Saturday night.
And with so much at stake, Frampton will be out to make a statement.
"I want to win this fight, but I want to knock this kid out," the two-weight world champion said.
"It's a must-win. I have to win this fight to fight a champion in my next fight. I want to fight for a world title in my next fight, so I must beat Tyler McCreary.
"The plan is to become a three-weight world champion. That's my goal.
"Ireland has a rich history in boxing champions. We've produced so many great fighters and we're still doing it.
"But to be the guy on top and be the first and only guy to win three titles in three different divisions, it would mean the world to me."
Saturday's opponent comes with a modest record but remains unbeaten after 17 fights.
McCreary has won 16 and drawn once, with seven of his wins coming by knockout.
Despite being a massive underdog, the Ohio boxer has vowed to send Frampton into retirement at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
And while the bookmakers' odds of that happening might be lengthy, Frampton accepts his opponent has everything to fight for.
"If he beats me, I'm pretty sure in his next fight he'll fight for a world title," Frampton said.
"It's not going to happen. I've prepared very hard for this fight. I've prepared like I'm an underdog, and I am going in to put on a show.
"To be honest, I want to win this fight, but I want to knock this kid out."
At 32, and following last year's devastating defeat to Josh Warrington, Frampton insists every fight in his career from now on is a must-win.
He considered retirement after losing to Warrington last December but decided to have another shot at world glory.
His scheduled comeback in August was derailed when he suffered a freak hand injury in the week leading up to his fight against Emmanuel Dominguez.
But now fully recovered and feeling in top shape, Frampton believes he has plenty more to offer at elite level.
"No matter who the opponent is, it's always going to be the biggest fight because of the situation I'm in now," he added.
"I have to win this fight to fight a champion in my next fight. I want to fight for a world title in my next fight, so I must beat Tyler McCreary.
"He thinks I have been overlooking him. Maybe that gives him some comfort and encouragement.
"But I have been treating this fight as if it is a world title fight."
Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.
Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved.
Click here to get it from the App Store or here for Google Play .
