Jamie Conlan’s opponent for the ‘New Beginning’ show at the National Stadium has thrown the first verbal blow ahead of the contest.

At today’s press conference, Junior Granados slammed the Belfast man for being a ‘false Mexican’ and vowed to prove he is the ‘true Mexican’ with a win on Saturday night.

This, of course, is in reference to Conlan’s ring moniker – ‘The Mexican’. Granados, an actual Mexican from the Yucatán region in the south of the country, has taken umbrage with this light-hearted nickname.

Fighting for the first time outside of his native land, the fiery 22 year old is hoping to win and take home the WBO Intercontinental super flyweight title – along with the lofty world ranking it brings.

Despite these barbs, the title-chasing Conlan is still confident ahead of the fight and has promised that Junior Granados ‘is going to feel the pain.’ The undefeated Belfast man knows that an impressive showing here will further his chances of a showdown clash with former titlist Paul Butler.