I COULDN’T FIGHT A NOBODY HERE
Conlan risks unbeaten record to please hometown supporters against Brazilian knockout specialist
MICHAEL Conlan admits facing dangerous puncher Adeilson dos Santos in only his eighth professional fight is a calculated risk.
Conlan will fight on home soil for the first time in seven years when he takes on the heavy-handed Brazilian at the SSE Arena on Saturday night.
Dos Santos has won 19 of his 23 fights in the paid ranks, with 15 of his wins coming via stoppage.
It is the sternest test to date for former Olympian Conlan who has eased to seven straight victories since making his debut in New York on St Patrick’s Day last year.
“Dos Santos is a big puncher who is dangerous when he throws hooks and it’s a step up for me,” Conlan said.
“He is a big puncher. He had 15 KOS so I have to be careful. He is a big guy, tall with long arms. he throws a lot of straight punches, but when he throws his hooks he is dangerous.
“But my preparations have been spot on. I have been in camp since January with Adam (Booth) and I have fought three times already this year.
“This is a fight the fans deserve. If I had come back here and fought a nobody then no fans would want to come. The fight fans here know their boxing.
“Topping a bill in Belfast is special. I am so proud. I have been to so many fights in Belfast and the atmosphere the fans bring is something you don’t experience anywhere else.
“There is no place like home for me. The atmosphere the people, I can’t wait for Saturday evening.
“I can feel the buzz in the city. I felt it at the public workout on Wednesday. It was fantastic.
“That got me going. I started thinking about the fight a bit more. Things are becoming more real.
“I need a clean, clinical, destructive performance. If it goes to points it goes to points, but I would like the stoppage.
A crowd of over 5,000 is expected to be at the SSE Arena on Saturday night, and Conlan hopes the Belfast fans get behind their man.
“It will be a huge buzz on Saturday night. I have been to Carl Frampton fights at the SSE
Arena. It makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck,” Conlan added.
“Hopefully I can experience something similar on Saturday night.
“It has been great fighting all across the world. Top Rank have me feel like
New York is my home. I certainly feel that when I box there.
“Madison
Square Garden is a great venue with great support. New York is like a home from home.”