If you are searching for the stereotypical boxer, then Colm Murphy may not quite fit the bill at first glance.

A past pupil of Methodist College – regarded as a hotbed for rugby rather than boxing – Murphy later attained a degree in quantity surveying but it was the sweet science which had the greater allure.

The 'Posh Boy' ring moniker is a nod to his upbringing in south Belfast's leafy suburbs rather than some of the city's concrete jungles, but there is much more than meets the eye.

From his early teenage days of walking through the doors of St Agnes ABC and then St George's, Murphy has encountered many doubters, but his belief never waned.

As an amateur, Murphy won bronze at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and then went on to collect an Irish U22 title before opting to punch for pay and has racked up 16 straight wins as a pro with a host of titles collected along the way including the Commonwealth featherweight strap when stopping Saleh Kassim in January.

The 26-year-old plans to silence some more of his detractors when taking on Jono Carroll for the vacant IBO super-featherweight title on the James 'Jazza' Dickens v Anthony Cacace world title undercard in Dublin.

"It shows how hard I've had to work," Murphy told BBC Sport NI.

"There aren't many from my background who follow this path and to be honest, it's meant I've hard to work a lot harder as I don't come from a boxing background where the sport is ingrained from a young age. I've been beaten up in the gyms when I was growing up, but I never gave up and kept coming back.

"All of that helps me against a more experienced fighter, as it brings out the best of me because I have evolved as a person.

"People are doubting me for this fight, but it spurs me on because I want to prove to people I belong at this level."

'Boxing is completely psychological'

Saturday represents a significant step up against seasoned Dubliner Carroll, who challenged for Tevin Farmer's IBF world title in 2019.

'King Kong' (25-3-1) has tasted defeat in two of his 11 fights since, but remains a tough proposition for the Belfast man this weekend with his tenacity and aggression a key attribute.

However, there is no lack of confidence with Murphy insisting his key to victory is "belief in myself" and his past victory over Kassim which has him in fighting shape.

"Boxing is completely psychological," he insists.

"There may be tough moments in the fight, but believe me, I prepared myself psychologically for that last fight.

"I've won a featherweight title, so I'm sitting at the weight comfortably. He (Carroll) will have to boil himself down as he hasn't fought at the weight in a while (July 2024 defeat by Albert Batyrgaziev). I'm also 12-round ready as I had one in January and then again last August. I believe in my fitness, so this is the type of engine I want to challenge."

'I'm going to savour the moment'

Victory would propel his career to new heights and also serve as inspiration that with hard work and belief, anything is possible despite the challenges that life gives.

The Belfast man has fought against the odds throughout his life, achieving academically despite battling dyslexia and dyspraxia, while all 16 challengers in the ring have been overcome.

"I never thought I'd be in this position, so I'm going to savour the moment," he continued.

"A lot of people have helped me get here and I'm very grateful to them.

"Sometimes people with special needs just need that bit of extra care so they can reach for their full talent.

"If I can inspire kids with learning difficulties, autism or anything to just go for it and believe in yourself, that would be an added bonus for me."