LAN OF HOPE & GLORY

Irish star makes it five on the trot but bigger things lie over horizon

MICHAEL CONLAN jumped to 5-0 as a pro over the weekend but will make a step up in opposition in 2018, according to Matthew Macklin.

Former world amateur champion Conlan secured a comprehensive sixround points win over Argentina’s Luis Fernando Molina at Madison Square Garden.

Fighting on the undercard of Vasyl Lomachenko’s successful WBO world super-featherweight title defence over Guillermo Rigondeaux, 26-year-old Conlan featured in the chief-support bout ahead of his fellow Olympic medallists.

The Irishman headlined at the same venue on his pro debut last March and the MTK Global-managed fighter will return to MSG once again on another Top Rankpromoted bill on St Patrick’s Day 2018. “I think Paddy’s Day will be the next fight, so he’ll go home and enjoy Christmas and the new year, rest up and build up towards Paddy’s Day,” said Macklin, who predicted that 2018 will be a big year for Conlan.

“The first year with his pro debut was huge. They [Top Rank] have kept the ball rolling since. He’s had massive hype and he’s had a year in the gyms here, sparring with the likes of Oscar Valdez and Jessie Magdeleno.

“He knows what the pro game is all about now. I think next year they’ll start stepping him up. He’s got six rounds under his belt – that will stand him in good stead and who knows, Paddy’s Day could be an eight-rounder.”

Conlan delivered an impressive switch-hitting display to dominate all six rounds against durable 29-year-old Buenos Aires native Molina, who carried a 7-3-1 record into the fight.

Boxing as a southpaw for much of the fight, the Irishman cruised to a shut-out 60-54 victory on all three judges’ cards.

“I think that’s the best he’s boxed so far in his pro career,” said Macklin.

“There’s big pressure on him in the sense that he’s getting these great slots and great exposure, which is what you want, but you have to remember they’re only his first few professional fights.

“He’s been a little bit too eager at times… but I think in this fight he really settled down and found a rhythm and his distance.

“His shot selection was really good.

“He used the ring and his upper-body movement was good. I think that’s the best he’s boxed so far.”