Josh Taylor said he has ‘the fear of getting beat’ motivating him when he faces Jack Catterall.
The undisputed super lightweight fighter makes his first defence as a four-belt champion on Saturday against his English opponent, in a homecoming event in Scotland.
He is anticipated to move up to 147lbs in the future but for now is remaining in the division where he made his name.
Speaking to The Scotsman, Taylor said: "I've got a massive fear of getting beat,"
"That’s what keeps me sharp and on my toes. It gives me the butterflies and keeps making me perform. It’s the fear of getting beat. I want to win. I’m a fiercely competitive person so everything I do I want to win at. I don’t want to get beat at anything.
"I’ve always been like that. I hated losing. Even playing snakes and ladders when I was a kid. If I got beat the whole board would go up in the air, I’d rip it up and wouldn’t play again. I just hate getting beat – letting myself down, letting everyone else down as well. The fans and everyone. I know there might be times in the fight when it’s not all going my way. That’s fine, we’ve got a long time to be in there – there’s 36 minutes to work him out."
Taylor has been typically bullish as the fight date closed in, and the pair almost got into it at their weigh-in on Friday, but he acknowledged his rival’s talents.
“I know Jack’s a good fighter and a class operator and he’s here to win and better his and his family’s life. He’s posing a big threat to me and my plans and me being able to provide for my future family as well,” he said.