Team Conlan give the coronavirus the finger – MSG show goes on but behind closed doors

The coronavirus won’t stop the Conlan Revolution from gathering further pace, but the next stage of the journey to a world title won’t be greeted with the same level of noise as previous installments.

COD-V19 has been curtailing sporting events across the globe in recent days, with the number of causalities increasing massively in the last number of hours.

However, Top Rank, Bob Arum and indeed Michael Conlan have flipped the bird the way of the dangerous flu strain by confirming the Madison Square Garden St Patrick’s Day card still goes ahead.

Top Rank have had to close the Hulu Centre and the show to the public.

The event, much like Saturday’s show topped by Shakur Stevenson will play out behind closed doors.

It’s good news for Conlan, as fighting ensures his world title plans for Belfast and August won’t be jeopardised, but it’s also positive news for the Irish fighters on the under card.

The behind closed doors element isn’t ideal, especially for those fighters who done serious tickets, but it means the camps of Feargal McCrory, Matthew Tinker and Paddy Donovan won’t go to waste.

Conlan who made his professional debut in Madison Square Garden in 2017 is taking on 31-year old Columbian featherweight Belmar Preciado on his fourth visit to the venue.

The fight is said to be a step up that will lead to a world title shot for the Olympic medal winner.

Limerick’s Donovan, whose brother turned pro this week, takes an early step up to six rounds against Gregory Young, Tinker will be looking to make it three knockouts in a row against Esai Herrera in a four round light heavyweight clash, while McCrory makes his American debut against Juan Tapia.