Conlan looking forward to Paddy’s Day foe coming to try take his head off

Michael Conlan can’t wait for that moment Ruben Garcia Hernandez starts swinging in a bid to take Belfast fighters head off.

The former world amateur champion heads back to New York for the third consecutive St Patrick’s Day and is hopeful Mexican opposition will help him put on a show in the ring on the annual fight night with real razzmatazz.

The world ranked featherweight has been honest about how frustrating he has found it against early career opponents.

The younger brother of former world title challenger Jamie Conlan claims the majority of his foes have come to the ring with no ambition and argues it has prevented him from showing the world class ability at his disposal.

Jason Cunningham, the 27 year olds most recent opponent proved the exception and Conlan is hopeful his next opponent, who went the distance with one Nonito Donaire comes with a similar mindset.

“I’ve watched Hernandez a few times and he’s an experienced fighter who knows his way around the ring,” said Conlan.

“He went the full distance with Nonito Donaire last year so he’s obviously tough and he’s a little different to what I’ve come across before in other ways.

“Hernandez comes with more of a Mexican style than I’ve fought before and there will be times he’ll be in front of me trying to take my head off. It’s just what I’ve been looking forward to!

“I passed my last test with flying colours and I’ll be out to put on an even better performance this time round. This guy’s style will bring out the best in me.”

Conlan, 27, was last in action back in December when he outclassed Jason Cunningham to claim the WBO Inter-Continental featherweight title at Manchester Arena.