Derek Chisora said it has been an "emotional" week as he prepares to face Otto Wallin in his final fight on UK soil.
The 41-year-old heavyweight makes his 49th walk to the ring on Saturday at Co-op Live Arena as he closes in on the end of an 18-year career.
The Zimbabwe-born Londoner is targeting 50 fights in total, with his last bout set to take place overseas.
"Before I came to Manchester my wife said 'go and enjoy yourself'," Chisora said.
"She said it's the week to enjoy. I'm trying to enjoy it but it's so emotional because I love this game so much. I love the ups and downs, winning and losing.
"It's difficult to leave boxing if you don't want to. I was told to leave at 50 fights so that's what I'm doing. I would have done 100 fights."
Queensberry promoter Frank Warren announced that the bout will serve as an IBF heavyweight title eliminator, with the winner in line to face either champion Daniel Dubois or Joseph Parker, who meet on 22 February.
"It adds spice to the fight and makes it a more meaningful fight," Warren said.
"There's an added carrot at the end of the stick."
Sweden's Wallin, who lives in New York, has 27 wins, two losses and one no-contest on his record and is fighting in the UK for just the second time following his 2022 win against Kamil Sokolowski in Wales.
"I've been on the road before, I'm expecting a tough crowd but I'm ready for this fight," Wallin said.
"I have Swedish people coming too - some Vikings - I'm looking forward to it."
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