Boxer turned stand-up comic Tommy McCarthy is confident he will have the last laugh against Cheavon Clarke when the pair meet at the Ulster Hall on Saturday night.
The Belfast cruiserweight takes on unbeaten prospect Clarke for the WBA Inter-Continental title knowing a big win will get his career back on track.
Defeats to Chris Billam-Smith and Michael Cieslak stalled some of the momentum building behind McCarthy, but he has promised to deliver a stunning punchline against former Olympian Clarke.
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While boxing is his 'main job', McCarthy has also taken to performing some stand-up comedy, and also co-hosts the popular Whiskey and White podcast alongside good pal and former boxer Tyrone McKenna.
Clarke poked fun at McCarthy during Thursday's press conference, labelling the Belfast man a "clown".
McCarthy laughed it off in trademark fashion before firing back: "I'm not a clown. I'm a comedian. There is a difference between being a clown and a comedian.
"We hardly know each other and this is the first time we have chatted to each other, so no disrespect. I know you're a solid fighter with an amateur background, but when it comes to this city and iconic Ulster Hall, you talk about the 12th man, that's what will take me to the next level.
"I am a high level boxer but I haven't shown my full potential yet. I have been a pro 10 years now and haven't had a proper, great camp.
"This is the first time. I have left no stone unturned.
"This is a big fight for me. I have fought at the upper echelons of the rankings and have been around the top 10."
Asked who is the big draw for Saturday's fight, McCarthy said: "Obviously it is me because it is Belfast. People from Belfast are coming to watch the Belfast man.
"It is an attractive fight. An up and coming prospect against the experienced, talented and handsome Tommy McCarthy."
McCarthy is coming off the back of a seventh-round stoppage defeat to Cieslak last time out.
He accepted that fight at short notice, and insists fans will see the true Tommy McCarthy against Clarke.
"In my last fight, I just went there because I didn't have anything else to do. I hadn't fought for 14 months before that," he added.
"I had Eddie Hearn on my podcast before the last show in Belfast last month. I said, 'Eddie, for f*** sake throw me a bone. I need an easy one'.
"He said 'Do you want to fight Cheavon Clarke?'. It's a good fight for me and the WBA title is up for grabs which puts you back up there in the top 10 rankings."
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