Michael Conlan says Katie Taylor is the "closest person to a saint" that he has ever met.
Taylor is set for a huge homecoming show on May 20 when she faces Chantelle Cameron at Dublin's 3Arena.
Just seven days later Conlan will bid to become world champion for the first time when he meets IBF featherweight champion Luis Alberto Lopez at Belfast's SSE Arena.
Read more: From Nottingham 'villain' to Belfast hero, Conlan ready to realise dream
It promises to be a week to remember for Irish boxing, but Conlan is devastated he won't be able to be in Dublin to cheer his friend on.
He said: "I am half devastated as I would love to have been there. I think the atmosphere there will be absolutely crazy.
"Katie is a national treasure, a national hero. Every single person in Ireland will be wishing her to win, me included.
"She is the closest person to a saint that I have ever met, to be honest. And I am really looking forward to seeing her do it, and I believe she can."
Taylor was originally being lined up for a rematch against Amanda Serrano, but injury forced the Puerto Rican boxer to withdraw.
The 36-year-old will now bid to become a two-weight world champion when she faces new opponent Chantelle Cameron whose super lightweight belts will be on the line.
"It is a tough fight, and in my opinion it is the toughest fight she could take. I believe it is tougher than (Amanda) Serrano," Conlan added.
"But I believe that being at home, and her dream of fighting at home, that she will grab it with both hands and win."
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