Perth's Erin McGowan is hoping to join the growing list of Australia's boxing world champions.

The 31-year-old is drawing inspiration from dual title holder Daniel Geale when she fights Belgium's Delfine Persoon for the vacant IBF lightweight world title in Antwerp early Saturday morning (AEST).

McGowan (14-1 7 KOs) formerly held the WBO lightweight world title but was stripped of that as she challenged for the WBC super lightweight world title, a fight she lost.

Persoon (19-1 7 KOs) has won her last 10 fights.

McGowan acknowledged there was a risk involved with fighting in an opposing fighter's country.

"It is always a worry when you are fighting someone in their home town, however the IBF has a history of being very fair when it comes to officiating fights," McGowan said.

"A good example is our own Daniel Geale.

"Twice he has won world titles in Germany.

"Apart from that I like coming into a fight as an underdog. The more the crowd cheers for my opponent, the harder I fight.

"Overall I expect a tough fight, but I have done my homework."

Australia's list of recent world title fight winners included Geale and female boxers Susie Ramadan and Lauryn Eagle.

McGowan has been preparing for the fight by training in Las Vegas.