Manny Robles III has fought long enough to know that he’s essentially on his own for the three minutes in between bells to begin and end each round. But the third-generation boxer still can’t help but draw inspiration from those in his corner on the biggest boxing night of his life.

The unbeaten contender challenges China’s Can Xu (17-2, 3KOs) for a secondary featherweight title this Saturday at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California. Watching from ringside will be his father and noted trainer Manny Robles, who is staying in country just long enough to see his son challenge for his first major title before heading off to the Middle East for his most famous client, reigning unified heavyweight titlist Andy Ruiz’s rematch with Anthony Joshua on Dec. 7 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.

“It’s motivating,” Robles III (18-0, 8KOs) admitted to BoxingScene.com of Saturday night truly being a family affair. “It motivates the crap out of me. Andy could have went to Saudi Arabaia anytime he wanted and have taken the whole team with him. It means a lot that he held up his schedule just so my family can be ringside to see me win my first title.”

The 25-year old Los Angelino also enjoys the benefit of fighting in familiar surroundings. Saturday will mark the ninth time Robles—who is trained by Rudy Hernandez—has played the Fantasy Springs Casino in his career, including having made his pro debut in Sept. 2012.

“It’s pretty crazy, but it’s also been a long time coming,” Robles said of returning to where it all began. “Seven years ago I made my pro debut here. Now I’m fighting for a world title here.

“I’m motivated. Me and Rudy have a great tame plan. Catch the fight and expect the best out of me. Frankly, this opportunity is coming at the right time in my career.”

Can Xu attempts the second defense of the featherweight title he acquired in a 12-round win over Jesus M. Rojas in their featherweight thriller this past January.

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox