I'm a Mancunian born and bred and I feel I'm no different to the man in the crowd and it's nice to reward them. I want to become a great champion.

I had to come to the United States to prove myself. I fought for a long time in England and a lot of people thought I was a protected fighter.

It was just 12 months ago that I was the one doing the chasing and looking for all the big names. I guess now I'm universally recognized as No. 1 in the division and they're all looking for me. To be in a position where I can pick my opponents, wow, that's a fighter's dream, really.

I'll go gentle on him, ... I promise not to rough him up too much. I just think him saying stuff like that is just him. He's like the Junior Witter of America, he hasn't got a good word to say about anyone expect himself. Personality wise, he's very different to me, that's for sure.

As an amateur, I couldn't get many fights. No one would fight me when I was a schoolboy.

It's still one of the proudest moments in my career boxing at Madison Square Garden. Some fighters who have won titles and championships have never boxed at Madison Square Garden. For a little kid just off a council estate to do it was a dream come true.

I have no fear in moving up (in weight) and fighting.

As long as I've got the love of the fans, that means everything to me.

The fans only don't support me cos of the way I fight, they support me cos of the way I am.