JAMIE Conlan used to watch in awe as the Bernard Dunne faithful often helped him through sticky patches in tough fights.

Little did he know those Dublin fight fans would play an important part in an essential career victory of his own years later.

On Saturday night in the National Stadium the Belfast super flyweight took the Inter continental title and moved a step closer to a World title shot, but only after he got off the canvas twice in round seven of a Fight of The Year contender.

‘The Mexican’s’ dreams looked in tatters when a body shot put him on all fours in that round, but the crowd helped him back to his feet and gave him a boost over the last few rounds.

Indeed Conlan admitted he wouldn’t have got through the clash without the sensational support.

“Without this crowd, I wouldn’t have got through it,” Conlan said post fight.

“Tonight they sent shivers down my back. I felt like crying in the ring because they were giving me an extra boost. It wasn’t just me in there, it was them.

“I came back to the corner and they were shouting and cheering and singing Ole. I knew they were feeling it when I was feeling because they were right behind me. I’m very grateful for it now.

“They were absolutely brilliant. I said I was going to play Irish Rover [as my entrance song] as a tribute to Bernard Dunne. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen him get dropped and be picked up by that Dublin crowd.

“If and when I come back to Dublin , there always going to be behind me now.

“I always said when I was younger that I want to be in fights like that. But now that I’ve been in one, I’d rather knock them out in one or two rounds. It’s a lot easier!”