That was four years ago. Irons had three world championships to his name, Fanning just the two.

Now the 33-year-old Australian sits alongside his American friend with three, and is on the brink of becoming just the third man to win four or more ASP world championships – if all goes to plan at next week's Pipe Masters in Hawaii.

But this isn't about surpassing Irons.

The American's passing in 2010 brought an abrupt end to a career that, according to Fanning, could have yielded more than the three championships he earned before his death at the age of 32.

"To match him with three [last year] was a real honour and if things go to plan and I can get this fourth world title it would be crazy," Fanning said.

"I would never look at it like I was surpassing Andy, though. Andy was an amazing friend and a one-of-kind talent. Sadly, we'll never know how many titles he could have gone on to win."

Fanning sits in equal fourth on the list of most men's world titles, equal with Irons and Tom Curren with three, two behind fellow Australian Mark Richards (5) and eight behind surfing legend Kelly Slater (11).

Fanning claimed his third world title at Pipeline last year, holding on to the tour lead despite Slater winning the final event of the season in Hawaii.

Motivation to continue form at the elite level isn't something Fanning lacks, adamant he's still yet to tap into his full potential.

"I think after you have competitive success you become more comfortable in high pressure situations and you know what you have to do," he said.

"The challenge of staying composed under fire is really fun. In the early days I think I thought about the finish line a lot. I've learnt over the years though it's not a sprint, it's a marathon.

"I think about retirement sometimes but I still get excited about the tour each year. When I feel like my best surfing is behind me I'll call it a day but I honestly believe my best surfing is ahead of me."

Fanning sits second behind Brazilian Gabriel Medina on the ASP world tour rankings, and will have to rely on results going his way to claim title No.4.

If he takes out the Pipe Masters, he must hope Medina crashes out in the semi-finals.

However Medina isn't the only threat to Fanning's championship hopes – Slater is still in the hunt in third position.

"It's funny but my biggest threats aren't Medina and Slater, I will have to overcome some incredible surfers in the contest if I'm to have a chance at victory and I'll also be counting on Medina to lose at some point," Fanning said.

"If I'm able to progress through to the finals I'll likely meet Kelly at some point because we'll be on the same side of the draw. Competing against Kelly is obviously a scary prospect at Pipeline but a challenge I'd relish.

"Pipe is as good a place as any to make a comeback. It's the ultimate showdown venue and the crowds are always really vocal. The great thing about Pipe is how close the wave is to the beach. It means if you find yourself chasing a lead in the late stages of a heat you can still nab two quick waves and steal victory."

HOW MICK FANNING CAN WIN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

If Fanning is to win: Medina must bow out in the semi-finals.

If Fanning is to be runner-up: Medina must not reach the quarter-finals.

If Fanning is to reach the semi-final: Medina must finish outside the top 12 and Slater must not win.

Current ranking:

1. Gabriel Medina (Brazil): 56,550 points

2. Mick Fanning (Australia): 53,100

3. Kelly Slater (United States): 50,050