Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Conlan to Phobably face Niki
MICHAEL CONLAN already has a bumper 2019 mapped out – including a potential showdown with amateur nemesis Vladimir Nikitin in Belfast.
The unbeaten featherweight suffered a controversial points decision defeat to Nikitin at the 2016 Rio Olympics, after which Conlan labelled amateur boxing “corrupt”.
Both men are currently signed with Top Rank USA and appear to be on collision course in 2019.
Conlan says plans are in place for a massive outdoor show at next summer’s Féile an Phobail.
And the 27-year-old says Nikitin is the man he wants to face in front of his home crowd.
“I have a big year planned, including fights in New York and on St Patrick’s Day. And then in Belfast next August,” Conlan said.
“They have all been scheduled in, and hopefully they happen.
“Hopefully Nikitin keeps winning and then we can meet with two unbeaten records on the line.”
Conlan will be out to preserve his perfect professional record when he fights Jason Cunningham at Manchester Arena tomorrow night.
He said: “Jason is tough, has a lot of experience and won two Commonwealth titles in two different divisions. But it isn’t anything I haven’t seen before.
“I have faced every style of fighter I could face, and many southpaws. I have trained hard and I want to put on a good performance.
“If Jason wants to come into the trenches with me, I am more than happy. If he does that, it’s game over.”