HIS DALE Youth Club mate knew exactly where his Olympic medal was going to go, and John O'Donnell has already picked out the perfect spot for the Commonwealth welterweight belt - his bed.
Actually, the Shepherd's Bush boxer was kidding - and no doubt his missus is grateful.
If O'Donnell gets past title holder Craig Watson on Saturday night at York Hall, the coveted belt is actually going above the TV.
Olympic gold medallist James Degale has a special part of his bedroom devoted to honours - and his pal from their North Kensington amateur club days has also planned an eye-catching addition to the house.
"This is why I turned professional," said O'Donnell.
"It is this sort of moment I've waited a while for.
"I've trained extremely hard for the last 13 weeks, and I'm ready for whatever fight Watson wants."
The Manchester man defends the title at the East End boxing mecca because he comfortably eased past Matthew Hatton on home turf over 12 rounds last May. O'Donnell has no intention of going the same way.
"Hatton played into Watson's hands by fighting at Watson's pace," he said.
"He is a good puncher,but I think he's a bit one-paced, and I have no intention of allowing him to get into his rhythm.
"There's some thought he can out-punch me, but I've stopped four out of my last five opponents - so if he wants a tear-up, I'm ready for him."
O'Donnell is two years behind an audacious target he set himself to become the youngest holder of the belt.
However, a soul-destroying defeat in Las Vegas as an unbeaten 21-year-old in 2007 put paid to that, as well as boxing full-stop for 12 months. But he now reckons this is his time, and a specific part of his training has taken into account both he and Watson are southpaws.
O'Donnell said: "Right now, I'm buzzing - I can't wait. I wish the fight was this morning."
