The 28-year-old from Shaw turned professional in 2021 and has quietly gone about building a long, unbeaten record on small hall shows but had to wait for the opportunity to show what he could do on a bigger stage.

That chance arrived last month when Rafferty landed a spot on the undercard of Ben Whittaker’s fight with Braian Suarez and the chance to impress watching Matchroom chairman, Eddie Hearn.

Rafferty (17-0, 7 KOs) walked to the ring aware that the following half hour would have a big say on the future course of his career.

It would have been very easy for Rafferty to allow the moment to weigh him down but he put in a calm, controlled performance to stop the Argentinean in three rounds.

The powers that be at Matchroom were suitably impressed and a contract appeared the following week.

“I was having a chat with my girlfriend and I knew that was a possibility but I didn't put too much pressure on myself,” Rafferty told The Ring.

“I wanted to perform. He [Sosa] was a good, solid fella, I wanted to perform and if he [Eddie Hearn] wanted to sign me, that's great. If he didn't, I'll just keep pushing. So not too much pressure on myself. I thought it would be nice if I did get signed but I've not got to think about that. I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing.”

Rafferty’s brother and gym-mate at The Finest Gym in Manchester, Jack, boxed away from the spotlight 23 times before being given the chance to fight on a major show. He went on to win the British junior welterweight title and cemented himself as a contender at 147 pounds by stopping Ekow Essuman on the undercard of Daniel Dubois’ recent win over Fabio Wardley.

Another stablemate, Zak Miller, also learned his trade on the small halls. He went on to win the British featherweight title and is now established as one of the top 126-pound fighters in the country.

Rafferty watched, learned and took his chance when it arrived.

“I've seen it with Zak and Jack. They were just in the gym all the time. They were only doing six and eight rounders. No one's really getting paid but everyone was just staying in the gym and competing healthily against each other,” Rafferty said.

“Watch your food. Stay in the gym. Then things come. Training becomes easier because you're looking after yourself more.

“I'm just enjoying being in the gym, being as good a dad as I can, having a laugh with the lads and then just listening to Steve [Maylett, his trainer].

“That's what I've seen with the others. They're in the gym all the time, they're doing the right things and then they're walking out on fight night as chief support to Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois and you think, 'Wow.' It’s a pinch me moment.”

Rafferty isn’t going to rest on his laurels now. His deal with Matchroom spans five fights which gives him plenty of time to get comfortable with the bright lights and work towards achieving his next ambition.

“I'm just willing to get my head down that bit more and make this push me on rather than think, 'Oh nice, I've got somewhere now,'" he said.

“I want my dad to be able to have two British champion sons. That’s my next goal. Keep working hard and make sure that dream becomes a reality.”