By: Sean Crose
“Sometimes it’s going to be tough,” Belfast boxer Michael Conlan told BBC, “but I believe I’m going to go out and win – and win comfortably.” Indeed, this weekend, Conlan, 31, will try to win the world championship for the second time. The Irishman won the title for the first time in March 2022 when he ended up losing in a stunning battle with Leigh Wood. He may have been around for a short while, but Conlan’s impressive effort to claim Wood’s WBA featherweight belt only added to his reputation as a competitive and determined boxer. .
Now this Saturday, he will face off against IBF featherweight king Luis Alberto Lopez, who impressed many by claiming the divisional crown by defeating Josh Warrington last December. Indeed, Mexico’s Lopez, who traveled to England to defeat Britain’s Warrington, is confident enough to fight Conlan in Northern Ireland, Conlan’s home country on Saturday. Conlan, however, exudes confidence of his own. “My feelings are very cool and calm,” he told BBC. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a great night.”
One advantage Conlan has going into Saturday’s game, besides the fact that he’ll be facing Lopez at home, is that he knows what it’s like to be in the spotlight. Conlan has essentially become a star since his controversial but lovable presence in the 2012 Olympic Games. Conlan said: “I’ve had many big nights and buzzing atmospheres many times. heat. As for the loss at Wood’s gloved hands, the 18-1 boxer was clearly thinking about his lone loss.
“I lost at a crucial moment where I was under a lot of pressure. I put pressure on myself,” he said. “I was almost sucked into the atmosphere, so I learned from all that and now let’s move on with this.” Indeed, Conlan was a man capable of seeing the big picture. “It’s all about experience, having to go through those kinds of fights and those types of wars and see different things,” he said. “It is special to have the game here. I’m honored and it’s great to have the support.”
Adam Booth, Conlan’s coach, sees the problem realistically. He clearly doesn’t think Conlan has to start from scratch after losing to Wood, just finding a way to get better. “Things are still going as usual with some improvements,” he said of Saturday preparations. “He’s more ready than ever,” he added of Conlan.
