O’Kane has double incentive

O’Kane will now be fighting in a British title eliminator and he will also be looking to keep his unbeaten record intact.

Southpaw Ryder is also unbeaten as a professional - so something has to give.

“We both could have taken easier fights. It is a risk for both of us but the benefits outweigh the risks. For me, that is the way it is. This is the sort of fight I have been looking for,” O’Kane said.

“I don’t want to hang about, so fighting Ryder is the kind of fight I need to take to get a title shot

“The fight is a British title eliminator – so if I beat Ryder I will be well on my way.

“Some people choose easier routes but it is good on his part and on mine that we have made this fight.

“I wanted to fight and this was a chance to get a good clash before Christmas. I want to win on Saturday and then move onwards and upwards.

“Training and sparring has gone well, so I am ready to go.”

And the former Commonwealth Games gold medal winner holds Ryder in high regard.

“He’s a talented lad. He goes about his business quietly. He has an unorthodox style, a southpaw stance,” O’Kane added.

“He likes to hunch his shoulders and throws a few flashy shots.

“It is a great opportunity. It’s certainly not ideal circumstances because you would like three months to prepare but sometimes you just have to grab your chance and that’s what I’m going to do.”

And the Dungiven fighter – who will fight live on Sky Sports – says it could be a great night for Irish boxing.

“It would be fantastic if I won and Brian Magee beat Mikkel Kessler in Denmark and retained his WBA World title. I wish Brian all the best and if he wins that fight – he will have his choice of fights in the Super middleweight division,” said O’Kane.