The 26-year-old British and Commonwealth champion believes he is only just scratching the surface of his potential.

Although he won a national amateur championship, O'Doherty (12-0, 3 KOs) set himself professional targets and timelines which more well-regarded amateurs fail to achieve.

So far, he has met them all.

He won the Southern Area title in his sixth fight and the English four fights later. He beat Regan Glackin to become British beltholder in his 11th fight before adding Commonwealth honors to his collection on May 16.

On October 17, O’Doherty defends his titles against Michael Gomez (23-2, 8 KOs) on the Daniel Dubois-Fabio Wardley II undercard at London's O2 Arena. He's confident there is still much more to come.

“I know I've won well, but still know that I'm better than the performances I’ve given. I’m better in the gym,” O’Doherty told The Ring.

“My trainer gives me the same feedback. He knows that I'm improving and sees the work being done.”

Maybe the most impressive aspect of O’Doherty’s rise is that he hasn’t yet been forced out of his comfort zone.

O’Doherty is a fitness fanatic who continues to work as a gymnastics instructor throughout training camp.

That ingrained strength and durability allows him to dedicate time and attention to the sport's more technical side, but also a solid platform to work from when he has to dig deep and fight out of a hole.

“I've won nearly every round. Anyone has only seen when I'm ahead,” he said.

“No one has seen me when I've had any sort of problems. I know that I can push a lot further but haven't had to.

“I threw 1,200 punches in that last fight with ease knowing I was winning. That's me essentially not really with any desperation. I'm just doing what I want to do.

“When someone puts it on me and I think, "I’ve got to do more, I've got to take it to them”.

“I’ve got more to give and haven't had to show that yet.”