HOME WASN’T BUILT IN A DAY
It’s been a long wait for Belfast fans to see Olympic hero Conlan but big day is here at last
HE has fought at Madison Square Garden, had UFC superstar Conor Mcgregor in his corner, and fought on a Manny Pacquiao undercard in Australia.
But for Michael Conlan, it will take a lot to beat headlining in his home city.
Conlan has come a long way since making his professional debut in New York on St Patrick’s Day last year.
The 26-year-old has eased to seven straight wins in the paid ranks, a record that includes five knockouts.
He takes a step up in class tonight when he fights on home soil for the first time in seven years.
Conlan faces tough Brazilian Adeilson Dos Santos at the SSE Arena, an opponent whose record is laced with danger.
Dos Santos has won 19 of his 23 fights, with 15 of those Michael Conlan v Adeilson Dos Santos, Jack Catterall v Tyrone Mckenna, Jono Carroll v Declan Geraghty, Tyrone Mccullagh v Joe Ham, Sunny Edwards v Christian Narvaez, Johnny Coyle v Lewis Benson, Gary Corcoran v Victor Ray Ankrah, Neslan Machado v Jose Anguilar, Lewis
Crocker v Adam Grabiec, Padraig Mccrory v Harry Matthews, Taylor Mcgoldrick v Richard Hegyi, Gary Cully v Zoltan Szabo
wins coming by way of stoppage. Conlan went eyeto-eye with the Brazilian at yesterday’s weigh-in, and the Belfast boy admits he can’t wait to walk out to a raucous Belfast atmosphere tonight.
“I am honoured to be back
in Belfast and headlining. It is a special place to box,” he said.
“I think this is right up there with debuting at Madison Square Garden and fighting on that Pacquiao undercard in Australia.
“It is something I have always dreamed of doing, and I will realise that dream on Saturday night.”
A healthy crowd watched Conlan tip the scales at 127.5lbs during yesterday’s weigh-in, with Dos Santos almost a pound lighter.
Over 5,000 fans are expected to descend on the SSE Arena tonight to watch their home hero in action.
But with a fiery atmosphere guaranteed tonight, Conlan admits he will have to keep his cool under pressure.
“I have boxed on big stages around the world, and I know what to expect,” he said.
“Obviously this is going to be different as it is my homecoming, but I have to strip everything away and concentrate on fighting someone.
“It is 20 x 20ft ring with me and another guy with two arms, two legs and a head.
“I have to go in and do my business.
“I have to stick to the game plan that Adam Booth comes up with.
“He is a master at these things and he gets into your head mentally.” SHANE LOWRY cannot wait to return home when the former champion arrives at Donegal’s Ballyliffin Golf Club for next week’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
For the first time in his career, Lowry has been based in America for the first half of this season, where the 31-year-old (above) has enjoyed consistent form without threatening to add to his trophy haul.
He notched up a top 15 finish in his opening Rolex Series appearance of the campaign at the BMW PGA Championship, but as a links expert who has already won on home soil, he will be chomping at the bit to take on the stunning Glashedy Course at Ballyliffin on the north west coast of Donegal.
“I think Ballyliffin will be a brilliant venue for the Irish Open,” said the three-time European Tour winner.
“I have a lot of fond memories of playing Interprovincial Championships there so it will be great to go back there. It’s one of those weeks on Tour that you have to adapt to.
“The tournament itself is massive now with it being on the Rolex Series and with such a committed sponsor like Dubai Duty Free.
“They have, along with Rory obviously, taken it to a new level and it’s brilliant to see the tournament getting back to the way it was with huge crowds, great fields and big prize money. It will always have a special place in my heart.” SNOOKER TOP class snooker will return to Belfast this November.
Northern Irishman Mark Allen and compatriot Joe Swail will both be in action at the Northern Ireland Trophy, which runs the 12-18 November at the Waterfront Hall.
Last year Welshman Mark Williams edged Chinese potter Yan Bingtao 9-8 in a gripping conclusion to a fine week of action.
Five-time world champion Ronnie O’sullivan and other top names including Judd Trump, defending champ and new world champion Williams, and reigning world No 1 Mark Selby will also be competing.
“I always love playing in Belfast,” said Allen. “The fans love their snooker, it’s always really special playing at home.”