Frampton backs Conlan’s power play

Michael Conlan [18(9)-1(1)]has proven he has the power as well as the skill set to compete at elite level says a man that knows all too well what it takes to win a world title, Carl Frampton.

The Olympic medal winner’s talent has never been questioned and he is deemed one of Ireland’s most skilled ever fighters. However, opponents and opposition coaches have questioned his power, flagging a perceived lack of pop in the buildup to fights.

The Belfast fighter, who has a respectable nine knockouts from 18 wins, has also admitted he isn’t the biggest punching featherweight in the world.

Many have suggested the World Championship gold medal winner still had enough quality to rule at the weight and punching power was a necessity for world title success.

Former two-weight world champion Frampton believes that is the case but also claims Conlan brings power to the table.

Speaking in his popular Sunday Life column after the Top Rank star took out Karim Guerfi in less than a round on December 10, Frampton said: “The nature of his last victory was also quite important as he proved he has power. We all know how highly skilled he is as a fighter and he would rank as one of the most skilled I’ve seen in terms of what he can do, but there were always questions about his power when he got down to the weight as by all accounts he was knocking people over in the gym.

“That suggested he could crack with a bit of extra weight on him, but last Saturday was an example of what he can do when he plants the feet and lets his shots go.”

Now having bounced back from a heartbreaking world title defeat to Leigh Wood with two big wins, ‘The Jackal’ believes it’s now time for Conlan to return to the world title table.

“He has now come through two fights just below world level since the Leigh Wood defeat and should be looking to push on now against one of the featherweight champions.”