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Jamie Conlan: Michael battered me into shape for title fight

JAMIE Conlan has literally been battered into shape by his younger brother Michael ahead of his first title tilt.

The 27 year old flyweight fights for the WBO European title on the This Is Belfast card and claims he is in the shape of his life thanks to some tough sparring with the Olympic medal winner.

‘The Mexican’ claims brotherly love went out the window when the pair sparred in Breen’s Gym in the build up tonight’s bout with Benjamin Smoes. Indeed he said his younger brother didn’t hold back when the pair traded sparring leather, but claims the all action battles helped ensure he reached peak condition ahead of his Odyssey Arena clash tonight.

“I loved training for this fight even though everyday was horrible. That’s no joke. Sparring the likes of Kevin O’Hara and Andy Murray before was tough, but this was another level,” Conlan told Irish-boxing.com.

“Everyday I was doing four rounds with Mark then Michael got in for four. Michael was fresh and knew he only had to do four. He tried to murder me for four rounds he was throwing and throwing but that helped me get sharper and fitter. I never felt as sharp or as fit.

“Sparring was that good John Breen gave us a day of and John Breen never gives you a day off. He just said we were not going to get any better than that. Everyday has been tough, but I have never felt as good.”

irishboxing

Integral part of the Irish boxing community for over 13 years

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