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Mick Conlan – “I’m looking forward to it, I don’t feel any pressure”

Take a trip to Times Square this week and you will see fifty foot images of Mick Conlan flicker around one the most famous areas in the World.

Not bad for a 25 year old Belfast lad – and even more impressive considering the digital ads and posters are not promoting a world title bout, but the World Championships gold medalist’s pro debut.

It’s generally a site that bill-toppers rejoice in – and one where other Irish fighters including Patrick Hyland, John Duddy, and Matthew Macklin have celebrated at in the past.

However, the younger brother of world title hopeful Jamie, has taken his name being loudly emblazoned across the Big Apple in his stride

Conlan recalled how “I saw the poster up on the MSG wall and it was a bit of a shock – and it just feels like it’s meant to be.”

“It’s not going to blow me away because there’s going to be a lot more like that coming in the future.

“Making my debut at MSG is big, but I don’t feel pressure, pressure is for tyres and not for me.”

Although he isn’t cocky, confidence is something that runs through the Top Rank boxer. He claims he is eager to get started on a journey he believes could lead to all-time greatness.

While he stresses that he is not feeling pressure, Conlan knows that a statement win against Tim Ibarra is required.

“I’m hoping it’s the start of something new,” he explained. “There are expectations of a good performance and some excitement, and that’s what I’m planning to bring.”

“I want to be one of the greatest fighters in history but my main focus is to be Ireland’s greatest fighter. But I have that faith in myself – and I truly believe I will be that fighter. The transition has been perfect, definitely I feel in the best condition of my life.”

Indeed excitement is the overriding emotion felt by the Falls Road fighter who outlined that “I’ve been training really, really hard and putting the work in with world champions. I’m looking forward to it, I don’t feel any pressure.”

“The whole event in total will be unreal. The wait has felt like forever, we’ve been waiting this since September, so the excitement is building.”

“I’m here to cause a storm. I feel there’s expectation around me to give a performance and I will. My only thought is to go in there and take the guy out.”

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams (Top Rank)

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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