THE TROUBLE with being at the top is everyone wants to knock you off your perch. It's a common theme in all sports but one which carries more concern than any other when your sport is boxing.
For Olympic champion Luke Campbell it's not a metaphorical problem, but a real issue to contend with as the gold medallist walks around with a target on his head.
Two weeks out from his professional debut, the 25-year-old does not have the luxury of anonymity afforded most professionals ahead of their debut.
There has been nothing quiet about Campbell's preparation, with each sparring session descending into a contest akin to a genuine fight.
As he reflects on his training so far that has taken him not just the length and breadth of the country but also to New York, Campbell admits it's nothing that is likely to change.
"Everyone wants to make a name for themselves by beating up the Olympic champion, but that's fine with me," explains Campbell.
"That only helps me get better because I have to be on it at every sparring session and that is what it is all about.
"If I do anything I do it 100 per cent and that sort of tough challenge in sparring sessions is what I need.
"I've had some tough spars, none more so than in America recently."
Travelling with fellow boxer and good friend Zak Collins, the duo spent a week in New York training at the world-famous Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn.
A gym that has housed all the sport's greats at some time from Jake LaMotta and Roberto Duran to Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali, it proved to be an eye-opening experience.
"New York is a very hostile place and in the Gleason's gym you are there in the ring with 30 or 40 Americans stood around the ring shouting," adds Campbell.
"It's certainly hostile and you have to be mentally strong to handle it, but it does you good in the long run.
"They wanted to give it to the Olympic champion, so it was a great test and a great experience."
Campbell's preparations may not be the stereotype for most boxers turning pro, but then neither will his debut.
There's no small hall show for the Hull superstar, propping up the bottom of an under card as the warm-up act for a host of faceless names.
On July 13 over 10,000 people will be inside MS3 Craven Park to witness his debut, broadcast live on television and not just in this country.
The elite of British boxing are taking part with the likes of possible future world champions Kell Brook and Lee Selby joined by the likes of Rocky Fielding and Curtis Woodhouse, while fellow Hull boxer Tommy Coyle fights for the Commonwealth crown against Derry Mathews.
And yet, it is Campbell who is the star attraction.
"It feels a little strange being top of the bill when you see the names who are on the card and the quality they've got," adds Campbell.
"It sums up this city though, because I am topping the bill because of the support the people of Hull have given me and that allows us to put this show on. It's a fantastic bill, we've got some great boxers and I'm really happy my good friend Anthony Ogogo is joining the card too.
"The support has been fantastic so far and it is building up to be a great atmosphere.
"I am really excited now and cannot wait for July 13, it's going to be a great night for Hull."
Almost exactly a year since he began his Olympic experience in London, Campbell will take the first steps into the paid ranks.
It has been a whirlwind 12 months since the Olympics.
From Dancing on Ice, cameo appearances in many television shows and picking up an MBE, he's become a father for the second time too.
The workload shows no sign of abating, but there's no doubting training comes first.
"I feel tired right now, but that is a good sign that I am training hard," explains Campbell.
"My preparations have gone really well and everything is on course."
He may feel tired, but he's never looked stronger. Adding over a stone and a half in weight since the Olympic final, Campbell is preparing to make his debut in the lightweight division.
It's a hugely competitive division, with the likes of Coyle, Woodhouse, Anthony Crolla, Gavin Rees and Ricky Burns, and that's just domestically.
"I've bulked up since the Olympics and I feel really good at this weight, really strong," says Campbell.
"I am sparring strong light-welterweights.
"I am giving them as much as they are giving back, so I am very confident in myself at the moment.
"I'll come in at lightweight for this fight and I will see how my body adapts, nothing is set in stone that I have to stay at lightweight.
"We'll see how it goes and how I feel at that weight first.
"I feel good though and I can't wait for the fight now, it's going to be a special night."
