The Thrill is On? Team Conlan Eye European Champion
Michael Conlan [17(8)-1(1)] is eyeing up a shot at reigning European Champion Jordan Gill [27(8)-1(1)].
Conlan has early December Belfast plans, with a December 3 or 10 SSE Arena card in the works, and Gill is seen as the ideal foe.
Having put some distance between himself and his first career defeat to Leigh Wood by outpointing three-time world title challenger Miguel Marriaga in August, the top Top Rank talent is keen to secure another world title shot.
Gill is seen as an opponent that could increase Conlan’s early 2023 world title tilt credentials and comes with a title areal note.
In fact, Team Conlan see a bout with ‘The Thrill’ as a potential world title eliminator that would allow the Olympic medal winner to become only the 16th-ever Irish EBU European Champion.
“I like the Jordan Gill fight,” says Michael’s brother and promoter Jamie Conlan told David Mohan for the Belfast Telegraph.
“He and Michael are coming off fight-of-the-year contenders and Gill has the European title, so a fight could well be elevated to world title eliminator,” he added before revealing BT Sport interest.
“We are still to have talks with Top Rank, Matchroom and BT but early December is looking most likely for Michael to return.”
Gill, who won the title by defeating Karim Guerfi in sensational fashion, had been mentioned by Conlan Boxing previously and a fight with the World Amateur Championship gold medal winner would be a lucrative option and high profile step up for the Brit.
However, Gill has Mauro Forte as a mandatory. Purse bids for their European title fight take place at noon on Monday and the Italian won’t pass up his shot at the strap without persuasion. The fact the title fight has been allowed to go to purse bids may mean Matchroom have been exploring world title eliminator options for the Dave Coldwell trained feather, which may leave the door open for a non-continental fight with the Belfast man. Although there is rumour of a Gill – Kiko Martinez fight has been made.
