Mick Conlan predicts Belfast takeover on December 22nd

Michael Conlan [9(6)-0] expects Manchester to be Belfast mark two come December 22th.

Not long after the Belfast prospect recorded a stoppage win over former Italian champion Nicola Cipolletta in Las Vegas on Saturday night it was confirmed Manchester would become the next city he will display his talents in. 

The Falls Road featherweight will look to make it a perfect 10 before 2018 is done on the undercard of Carl Frampton’s IBF 126lbs world title fight with reigning champ Josh Warrington at the Manchester Arena.

Despite the Irish invasion when Frampton fought Scott Quigg at the same venue in the same city in 2016, there have been suggestions Warrington’s Leeds support will outnumber the Belfast following.

The proximity of Leeds and the size of Warrington’s support have been cited – although the city’s football team, from which Warrington draws a large amount of support, have an away game in Birmingham on December 22nd.

Regardless, Conlan is predicting it will be like fighting in a home away from home for him, Frampton, and former amateur team mates Paddy Barnes and Steven Ward.

FFS We should have just gone to Belfast🙈🙄….. all I know is my lot will be the ones still cheering when the nights done….👊#ANDSTILL https://t.co/w4ZF7IPlWI

— Josh Warrington (@J_Warrington) October 23, 2018

“I was back in Belfast for a homecoming fight last summer and it was a great atmosphere. Manchester will be just the same,” said the Jamie Conlan-managed prospect who will challenge for his first title on the bill.

“Belfast is a city with great fighters kids can really up to and who inspire the next generations. That’s what it’s all about. It shows no matter who you are and where you’re from in this city – people will support you.”

“It’s a tight-knit community and it’s fantastic that we can all ‘up sticks’ and bring a crowd like the one I believe will turn up in Manchester so close to Christmas.

“I was back in Belfast for a homecoming fight last summer and it was a great atmosphere. Manchester will be just the same.”

The Adam Booth trained fighter has enjoyed somewhat of a nomadic existence since turning over with Bob Arum and co.

He has topped cards in New York and Chicago, fought in Belfast, Australia and Las Vegas and come December 22nd he will get to share a card with some of his fellow Belfast punchers for the first time.

“It’s just great and it’s the first time I’ll have been on a professional card with Paddy, Steven or Carl. It means a lot to me.”

“Carl is a friend of mine and we have a good relationship. It’s great to have that bond with someone who’s leading the way in my division. I look up to him and to be fighting on his undercard is great.”

“I am really excited to be fighting on the same card as my stablemate and friend – I am looking to step up in class and reach 10-0 as a pro by Christmas. The Conlan Revolution rolls into Manchester!”