I will make a statement in my own way, says Conlan

THERE has always been a single-mindedness about Michael Conlan and he plans to exhibit that once the bell goes against Sofiane Takoucht in London tonight (BT Sport from 8pm).

The slick switch-hitting Belfast man is not one for paying attention to what the critics have to say, but instead is only concerned about living up to his own expectations.

For the record, those are to become a three-weight world champion and he will aim to begin that run when stepping down to super-bantamweight after tonight’s encounter with Takoucht which takes place at 126lb.

His 34-year-old French opponent lost in his last outing when blown away in two rounds by IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington, but styles make fights and Conlan’s game has always been more about boxing rather than brawling.

Takoucht was much too stiff, slow and square-on against Warrington and almost looked overwhelmed by the occasion. The more sedate environs of a virtually empty room ought to make life a little easier for the Frenchman, whose three other pro defeats in a 40-fight career came through narrow points reverses.

Conlan is not using the Warrington fight as a guide as to how to go about his work, but will do it his way — an approach that has served him well in his 13 professional outings to date that have led him to the brink of a first world title challenge.

“I think against Warrington he froze in the headlights,” said Conlan.

“He had 20,000 people or whatever it was against him and then he went in there against an aggressive guy who went there to take his head off.

“I don’t take much from that fight at all. If you look at his other losses, they have been by split decision and majority decision and that shows he is a durable guy, tricky. He is a southpaw so has that awkwardness about him, but I’m ready for anything and prepared well for it.

“I would be stupid and reckless if I were to go out and try and blast this guy out like Warrington did, but I definitely will be going in to make a statement. I’ll do it in my own way.”

Takoucht simply must do things differently in this fight than he did against Warrington if he is to make any kind of a dent on Conlan, whose ring smarts can see him adapt within the first moments of a fight in terms of boxing as a southpaw or orthodox.

That ability to confuse an opponent makes him a nightmare to deal with, but for just the second time as a pro he will have to work out how to overcome southpaw opposition.

There have been suggestions we will see a little more aggression from the former world amateur champion, but it will be of a controlled variety as he and coach Adam Booth look to put the final pieces of the jigsaw together ahead of a world title opportunity that is now within grasp.

“This will be just my second southpaw,” he pointed out. “The first was Jason Cunningham, who, funny enough, has been my sparring partner for this one. He is very similar in terms of style and stature to Takoucht so I think the preparation for this has been great.

“There are a lot of southpaws around featherweight and super-bantamweight so it is a style to get used to.

“I don’t care what other people say or think. Whether they think I’m amazing or boring, it doesn’t matter. The critics aren’t the ones going into the ring.

“It’s a matter of opinion and everybody has one, so there’s no point in getting caught up in trying to live up to anybody else’s expectations bar your own.”

There is nothing to suggest that this will be anything other than win No.14 in as many pro outings for Conlan.

He came out of lockdown refreshed and re-energised, in such shape that a move down to 122lb is now a viable proposition.

Conlan is levels above Takoucht and will take care of business tonight in his own way.