Michael Conlan plans to get Irish revenge by knocking Ionut Baluta ‘clean out’

Michael Conlan [14(8)-0] believes he will get Irish revenge and knock Ionut Baluta [14(30-2(0)] ‘clean out’ on April 30.

The Top Rank fighter takes on the Romanian with significant Irish upsets on his CV live on BT Sports at the end of the month.

Baluta, who defeated former world champion TJ Doheny and Rio Olympian David Oliver in his last two fights, is deemed in some quarters as the most dangerous fighter Conlan has faced since turning over.

The argument is ‘Irish Krypotnite’ has upset previous and thus upset potential. Conlan admits he takes on a solid foe but put plain and simple he believes he is better, indeed much better.

The Belfast super bantamweight is so confident he is predicting an eye-catching knockout win to tee up a big summer showdown.

“I believe I’ve beat better guys than Baluta whether it’s amateur or pro, I’ve beat better guys than him,” Conlan told Boxing News 24.

“Baluta is a very, very good fighter, don’t get that wrong. I’m just a better fighter and that’s all it is. I’m not underestimating this guy, he can pose threats if he wants to but I believe I break him down and I knock him clean out.”

“We’ve got to take care of business on April 30th and then we’ll get that World title this year. I have no doubt in my mind that opportunity arises and Michael Conlan will become WBO World champion in 2021.”

The fighter, who is managed by his brother, former world title challenger Jamie Conlan, has been assured that a victory this month will lead to a shot at WBO super bantamweight world champion Stephen Fulton.

Top Rank boss Bob Arum has assured the World Amateur Championships gold medal winner he will get his shot at the American come the summertime. However the American is scheduled to defend his WBO title against the winner of Luis Nery and Brand Figueroa’s WBC world title fight.