Ryan Burnett believes young guns Ruadhan Farrell and Colm Murphy should be praised for sharing the ring together at such an early stage of their careers.
The two Belfast featherweights will clash for the BUI Celtic title on Saturday night on the undercard of Michael Conlan's massive comeback show at the SSE Arena.
They will put their fledgling unbeaten records on the line in a fight that has been billed the 'Battle of Belfast'.
Read more: Ryan Burnett in praise for Michael Conlan ahead of comeback fight
Murphy - from the south of the city - has eased to a perfect record of 4-0, while New Lodge prospect Farrell has won his first three fights as a pro.
Both are managed by Mark Dunlop, and both will put it all on the line this Saturday night in a fight that promises so much.
Former unified world champion Burnett has worked with Farrell, who is rated the underdog heading into the bout.
But the ex-bantamweight star believes it will be a close clash under the bright lights of the SSE.
"Rudy has been up at the gym a few times and doing pad work, and he has been working on some technique. He is doing well," Burnett told Belfast Live.
"Fair play to him and Colm. They are both taking a risk here and stepping up so early in their careers, but it is great to see. Fight fans love to see something like this.
"You don't normally see fighters who have only had a couple of fights going up against each other at this stage, but hats off to both of them. It is a big opportunity for both of them to lay down a marker and make a statement.
"I think everyone is taking Ruadhan as the underdog, but to be honest it is going to be a close enough fight. I can't wait for it."
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