Coming soon – Mick Conlan sets rapid World Title timeline

Mick Conlan [5(4)-0] returns to The Theater at Madison Square Garden this Saturday for the second successive St Patrick’s Day and will take the step up to eight-round fights.

The Belfast featherweight is keen to be progressed following five six-rounders over the past year, and is hoping for a rapid jump through the ranks over the next 12 months.

Indeed, Conlan hopes to be boxing for a world title by March 17th 2019.

The Olympic bronze medalist feels he is progressing well and that his star is rising to the degree where he is aiming for a major title in the near-immediate future.

Conlan outlined how “I’m not the kind of fighter to start picking names out and talk trash about anyone but this time next year, I want to be challenging for world titles.”

“I had Conor McGregor ringwalk with me for my debut and that was nice because it was the first time. It was more of an event than a boxing match.”

“Now, I don’t mind who ringwalks with me. I can stand on my own and Madison Square Garden already feels like a home from home for me.”

“I’m signed to Top Rank and Bob Arum, so it’s great to have so many Irish people living in the U.S or travelling over to come and watch me fight.”

Conlan, in his first fight with new trainer Adam Booth, takes on Hungarian David Berna [15(14)-2(2)].

The Magyar’s attractive – if misleading – record has led to some describing Berna as a dangerous step-up for Conlan, but the Falls Road 26-year-old is taking it all in his stride.

The 2016 World Amateur champion noted how “you could say this is my first real test but I’m more than ready. I’ve been to the pinnacle of amateur boxing so I know what it’s like to feel the weight of a country’s hope on my shoulders.

“Berna is a good fighter so I need to be focused on that. Once the job is done, then why wouldn’t I go and celebrate victory and St Patrick’s Day with all the people who’ve spent their hard-earned money to support me?

“I’m delighted with the support. It’s been unbelievable and I’m very lucky to be Irish. Fighting on St Patrick’s Day in front of so many people cheering for me is a dream come true.”