If 2022 was a big year for Padraig McCrory, then 2023 could send the Belfast boxer to a whole new stratosphere.
The 34-year-old claimed the IBO World light-heavyweight title back in October, stopping Leon Bunn in a devastating display of punch power in Germany.
But it's back at super-middleweight where McCrory could star in the months ahead, with a big St Patrick's Day show in Belfast next up for the unbeaten fighter.
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It looks likely McCrory will headline the SSE Arena on March 17, potentially against fellow unbeaten Ralfs Vilcans as part of a stacked Conlan Boxing bill.
"I met with Jamie Conlan and we are looking at St Patrick's Day. There are options, but for me I would love to fight in Belfast on St Paddy's Day," McCrory told Belfast Live.
"Obviously if there is another opportunity that makes more sense then we will look at it, but I expect a decision to be made very soon.
"We are just waiting on a few loose ends to be tied up with promotional deals and things, but the likelihood is March 17 in Belfast.
"It could be me topping the bill at the SSE Arena which is exciting."
McCrory's performances in 2022 have seen him climb the rankings within both the light-heavyweight and super-middleweight divisions.
He claimed impressive stoppage wins over Marco Antonio Periban and Leon Bunn before rounding off the year with a comfortable points victory against Dmytro Fedas
McCrory is now ranked seventh by the WBC and 11th by the IBF at light-heavy, and up to third in the WBA super-middleweight division.
"It looks like I will move back down to 168lbs. We have a very good ranking there, number three in the world," McCrory added.
"I am also ranked at light-heavyweight as well so I have options.
"Title wise there isn't much available at the minute because they are all tied up, but if I am going to top the bill in Belfast then it has to be a decent name and a fight that means something.
"I don't like short-changing the fans, so it will be a fight that means something."
McCrory admits his dream opponent would be Canelo Alvarez, but accepts it is a long shot to be paired with the pound-for-pound star.
But with his lofty ranking in the super-middleweight division, he says "anything can happen".
He added: "A fight with Canelo would be a dream, but it is probably unlikely. But when you are high in the rankings, all it takes is a bit of luck and a phone call.
"And then you're in the ring fighting people like Caleb Plant or Canelo Alvarez.
"I believe 2023 has some massive fights for me, and also coming to Belfast as well."
Reflecting on his 2022, McCrory said: "I am proud of the progress I have made so far. You have to take advantage of any opportunities you get, and I have done that.
"I have come from the small hall shows to becoming a big name in boxing. It is good to see my name alongside the best in the division.
"I am 34 now so things probably had to move quickly for me, and that's what happened. I didn't turn any opportunity down and 2022 was a massive year for me.
"It started slowly after I got my first ever broken bone, but it finished on a high by winning the IBO World light-heavyweight title. That was a moment that will live long in the memory.
"It was a small venue, but it was so special with all the travelling fans who came with me.
"If I end 2023 with my unbeaten record then I will be in a strong position, because I do plan challenging myself against the very best in the division."
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