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 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.”