While British boxing fans’ focus has been on world titles in recent weeks, with failed tilts by Conor Benn and Moses Itauma, Pat Brown has been preparing for a domestic bout where victory will enhance his own fast-growing reputation.

The Manchester-born cruiserweight headlines at the Co-op Live on Saturday with the coveted British and Commonwealth titles up for grabs, but he must come through the undefeated John Hedges.

As a Team GB Olympian, who featured at the 2024 Games in Paris, the hype around Brown, 26, is understandable but his main aim is delivering for his family.

When asked about the importance of being crowned British champion, Brown told BBC Sport: “It’s a journey, I want to look back on my career and have the memories.

“It’s a lovely belt and people say it’s better than a world title because of the history and the way it looks.

“As long as I can put it on my dad’s shoulders and show it to my family, then that’s all I care about.

“I want to keep putting massive nights on for people and, whether that’s boxing at world level or this level, it makes no odds to me.”

Essex-born Hedges, who is unbeaten in 12 fights, represents the toughest test of Brown’s short professional career to date.

But a relaxed Brown recalled the wise words of his biggest inspiration, his father, that there’s “always someone harder around the corner”.

“That’s to keep me humble. You can’t go thinking you’re the bee’s knees all the time,” Brown added.

“I wouldn’t be in this game if I didn’t think I could fight anyone. I’ll always get in the ring with anyone; that’s the way my dad built me.

“Ever since I was a kid, whenever the phone went for a fight, he’d always say ‘yes’. It doesn’t matter about records or who they are, it’s just boxing.

“If I feared someone in the sport, then it’s not for me. I’ll just walk away.”

When Matchroom hastily arranged an event to officially announce Brown’s signing in 2024, around 300 fans turned out to catch a glimpse of the highly touted amateur.

But persuading 2,000 people to sit in a chilly Planet Ice in Altrincham on a Friday night may be an even better example of Brown’s potential drawing power.

Saturday’s fight was originally scheduled to take place there too but support from his fanbase meant a larger venue was required.

“Altrincham will always have a place in my heart, especially with people moaning how cold it is in there,” Brown said.

“The only downfall are the changing rooms are quite small. I’m quite tall and the ceiling is a bit low, so it’ll be nice to be in a big, open changing room.

“I used to go to that ice rink when I was a kid. To think I’ve actually headlined there on my debut – I can look and smile.”

Brown, who has stopped all six of his opponents with four of his wins coming inside two rounds, has fast established himself as a prospect. He is also aware that, with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury in the twilight of their careers, British boxing is craving its next star.

“It’s nice, but I never look at it and crave it,” he said.

“People will either like me or they won’t. I’m never going to change, so if it comes and the country is getting behind me, that’s brilliant.”

As Brown speaks to BBC Sport, the view of Old Trafford – the home of his beloved Manchester United – sits in the background.

Not since 1993 has the stadium hosted a boxing match, that being when Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn’s unification bout ended in a draw.

But as Katie Taylor proved on 5 September, barriers are made to be broken after her spectacular Croke Park send-off.

When asked about the prospect of fighting at the Theatre of Dreams one day, Brown’s face lights up.

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been there,” Brown said.

“My house was only 15 minutes away from Old Trafford. When I watched on TV and United were playing at home, I used to feel warm inside watching it because I used to think ‘that’s my home’.

“If I could ever headline there, it would be a dream come true. That means more to me than belts.

“If I could headline at Old Trafford and walk out with all the people there loving it, that would mean everything.”

Manchester is used to getting behind its own, most famously in boxing the iconic Ricky Hatton. Brown still has a long way to go, but Saturday presents his latest opportunity to make his own mark.