AS she prepares to make the first defence of her world title, Great Sankey boxer Rhiannon Dixon has promised to deliver “a career-best performance.”

That came after a perhaps surprising admission that both she and trainer Anthony Crolla thought her display to put her on top of the world in April was “rubbish.”

Dixon’s outpointing of Argentinian Karen Elizabeth Carabajal in Manchester earned her the WBO lightweight strap, which she will defend for the first time on Saturday against domestic rival Terri Harper in Sheffield.

The all-British clash will headline the Matchroom card in the Steel City and in this afternoon’s final press conference, the 29-year-old explained why she appeared reluctant to overly celebrate the biggest moment of her career to date.

“I think I was rubbish,” she said.

“I actually got out of the ring and was like “that was so embarrassing” and Ant was like “yeah, I thought you were rubbish too,” so I feel like I’ve got a point to prove. I didn’t show half of what I could do.

“Ant was saying I’m a bit of a perfectionist and sometimes that means I can’t always enjoy what I’ve achieved, but I’m excited to show what I’ve learned since then.

“It’s boosted my confidence massively. When I was first on DAZN cards, I had a bit of imposter syndrome as I’d only had seven white-collar fights.

“Going from Commonwealth to European to world title has boosted my confidence. I belong at this stage.”

Rhiannon Dixon and Terri Harper go face-to-faceRhiannon Dixon and Terri Harper go face-to-face (Image: Dave Thompson/Matchroom Boxing) Dixon’s opponent on Saturday is two years her junior but is more experienced in the professional ranks, with 16 fights under her belt to Dixon’s 10.

And having held world titles at both super-featherweight and super-welterweight, the Yorkshirewoman is looking for world honours at a third different weight.

While admitting her 11th paid fight will be her hardest to date, however, Dixon dismissed Harper’s prediction of a stoppage win.

“With peace and love, I believe she says things that she doesn’t genuinely believe,” she said.

“That’s why when she said she was going to stop me, I laughed because I thought “that’s not going to happen, is it?”

“This is definitely my toughest fight – I’m under no illusions about that – but it’s a fight I’ve been ready for for a long time and one I’m really excited for.

“When I win at the weekend, it shoots me into these massive fights which is something I’m really excited for.”

And when asked for a prediction, Dixon proclaimed: “A career-best performance.”