From admiring boxing legend Carl Frampton on city centre billboards, to headlining Belfast's SSE Arena off his own name, Rhys McKee is revelling in the moment.
The 26-year-old from Ballymena is preparing for his biggest fight night yet, headlining Cage Warriors 140 in his own back yard against Justin Burlinson. There is also the small matter of there being a welterweight title on the line.
McKee recalls seeing former two-weight world boxing champion Frampton lighting up the fight scene in Northern Ireland. The Jackal regularly enjoyed sold-out nights at the SSE punctuated by partisan crowds and plenty of glory.
