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Michael Conlan not looking past Mariah Carey and a good Christmas

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It’s Mariah Carey next at Madison Square Garden for Michael Conlan.

The global singing superstar won’t be manning the opposite corner in some form of Logan Paul KSI upgrade come Paddy’s Weekend, rather the Belfast world title hopeful will take in the singers concert at the famous venue in the early hours of Sunday morning (Irish time).

Having finally put Vladimir Nikitin and the Rio robbery into his rear view mirror on Saturday night, the featherweight wasn’t to keen to look forward into 2020.

Bob Arum has predicted an August world title fight once Conlan wins at the Garden in March, but when asked about what may happen next year soon after having his hand raised on Saturday Conlan wasn’t ready to look past a family Christmas.

“What’s next for me is Mariah Carey tomorrow night,” said Conlan.

“I am not thinking of anything else. I am not thinking of the next fight. I am thinking about Christmas. It’s been a long year for me and this fight has always been in the back of my head so it’s good to get it out of the way and I can enjoy Christmas with my family,” he added before discussing Ms Carey.

“I am looking forward to it. I want to thank the Garden for inviting me and taking care of me. It’s very very special to be looked after by MSG the way I am.”

Conlan, who is usually very open with regard to plans and projections, was happy to live in the moment on Saturday and is was clear the Nikitin win, although expected considering the pairs differing performances as pros, was a massive one for him personally.

“I had no bad feelings toward Vladimir before the fight and I have no bad feelings toward him after the fight. I actually seen him and gave him a hug in the medical room after.

“I’m just happy to close the chapter on the Olympic cycle of my career. It’s kind of being the monkey on my back and it’s gone now, so now I can focus on big fights,” he added before reveling he felt comfortable throughout the ESPN broadcast fight.

“It was a comfortable victory. I was able to box and use my skills and even when I wanted to I could stand toe to toe and out fight him at the same time. I would have like to get the stoppage, but I got the win and a win is a win and I am happy.”

When speaking after the press conference Conlan was drawn on his next fight, which should be his annual Paddy’s Day Garden bout. He revealed he expects to take on a name of the stature of those he was linked with pre the Nikitin fight being announced.

The likes of former world champions Isaac Dogboe and Kiko Martinez were name dropped by Top Rank earlier in the year – and although they may not be part of any future plans that level of opponent should be on display in the Garden against Conlna come Spring time.

“I know it will be a very high calibre opponent. We heard the kinda of opponents that were mentioned before the Nikitin fight have been mentioned again – and they are good opponents,”

dpg

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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