Conlan on 2011 plans

9 May 2011 – Steve Wellings

Jamie Conlan has big ambitions for 2011 and the Belfast banger is ready to explode back on the scene and take over the flyweight division.

The 24-year-old fought off a post-Christmas illness to return to John Breens gym and whip himself into fantastic shape ready for a May 13 appearance, in Kent. Jamie is set to feature on the undercard of Sam Webbs British light-middleweight title defence against Manchester mover Prince Arron.

Kyle King has been talked about as an opponent but thats not 100 per cent confirmed, I just know that Im definitely on the bill, Jamie explained. I was actually scheduled to fight King on Barry McGuigans bill last year but it didnt come off on that occasion and it doesnt matter who Im fighting next because Im feeling amazing at the moment.

Jamies outing will be a six-rounder and he aims to build up some momentum before challenging the likes of Paul Edwards, Shinny Bayaar and Ashley Sexton. Former British kingpin Sexton labored to an eight round points win over unheralded Mike Robinson on the Darren Barker-Domenico Spada undercard recently and Conlan was relatively unimpressed by the display from Flash Ash.

Sexton was terrible, Id fight him tomorrow, stated the 5-0 (3 KOs) starlet. Im ready for him and for all the rest of the flyweights. Ashleys a good fighter but he had a bad night and I reckon Id beat him, no problem. Robinson couldnt miss with the right hand and Sexton thinks hes a big puncher but it wasnt happening for him on that night. He hit his opponent with some good shots and he didnt budge.

I cant wait to get back into the ring. I got swine flu shortly after Christmas and Ive just had to keep ticking over until now. Frank Maloney promised me a date and he came up with this one so Im itching to get going. Sam Webb-Prince Arron is the headline act and Frank said hell take a good look at me, so Im looking forward to impress. There are three title fights on the show so I probably wont get on the TV but if the Sky cameras are there then I could maybe get on the Ringside show.

Veteran trainer John Breen puts Jamie through his pace in his Belfast base and the former amateur standout has smoothly morphed into a well-rounded pro. All he needs now is the ring time and exposure to showcase his skills to the wider public and hopefully snare a shot at the one of the divisions big boys. Some quality sparring, from two new additions to the Breen team, have helped keep Conlan sharp, as well as working out with some of the gyms more established names.

Trainings going really well, Ive been sparring with Andy Murray as well as a couple of guys who are turning pro with John Breen – Mark McCullough at featherweight and Paul Quinn at bantamweight. This is the best shape Ive ever been in my life.

So as far as Jamie Conlans concerned, back with a bang on May 13? Im back and ready to take over, he confirmed.