The 31-year-old former lightweight champion will face IBF world super-lightweight title holder Richardson Hitchins at the Madison Square Garden theatre on Saturday (14.06.25) and he thinks he will have the edge because he’s facing less pressure than his opponent.

He told Boxing News magazine: “I love that underdog role – it’s something that I’ve missed.

“My whole career was built up around me going into the lion’s den, from Mickey Bey to Lee Selby to Teofimo Lopez.

“When there’s no pressure on me, that’s when I perform really well. This is his homecoming.

“I believe he’s very nervous, very edgy.

“You could see it in the face-off we did. One guy’s a seasoned fighter, who’s been here countless times, fully focused, very relaxed, whereas [Hitchins] was very edgy and a bit jumpy, saying some things that didn’t really make any sense.

“But that pressure, when you’re having a big fight, sometimes creates that different kind of mindset.”

George also believes having moved up a weight class will help his performance.

He said: “It’s made such a difference. My dietician has got me on such high calories, where I’m always fuelled and energised, whereas I know [Hitchins] struggles [to make 140lbs].

“He could be just bones by the time we step into the ring.

“There’s also a 10lb [rehydration clause], which is always very tough. I felt it when I fought Lomachenko [last year] – it’s not an easy gig.”