Irish featherweight contender Michael Conlan has welcomed a possible fight with WBC world champion Bruce Carrington in New York City.
Conlan (20-3, 10 KOs) returns to his native Belfast on Friday at the SSE Arena, welcoming undefeated American Kevin Walsh in the MF Pro promotion broadcast on DAZN. A third straight victory since back-to-back defeats against Luis Alberto Lopez and Jordan Gill would propel Conlan toward a third world title shot.
“Listen, I know Bruce,” Conlan said in an exclusive interview with Boxing Social, from his Sheffield training camp. “Bruce is a really nice guy. I’ve known him since he was in training camp in Ireland. My dad was the coach at the time, and he was up in Belfast training. So I met him there, and he was a really lovely kid. And a very good fighter, a very good champion, someone I would love to face.”
Carrington (17-0, 10 KOs), who claimed the WBC featherweight belt against Carlos Castro in January, hails from Brooklyn, New York. Conlan’s fanbase in the Big Apple, where he has fought at Madison Square Garden six times, opens up the possibility of the Irishman returning to New York in a world title fight. Conlan currently sits in 9th place in the rankings for Carrington’s title, with a win against Walsh on Friday pushing him further into contention.
“You can look at that and go there is 100 percent a possibility of that happening,” Conlan responded in regard to Carrington. “And possibly next, or the fight after. Who knows? At the same time, I’ve got a job in front of me, and I’ve got to do that first. If I don’t look in form, I don’t look good here, maybe it doesn’t happen next. But I will, and I’ll go and do my job and look good doing it.”
Walsh (19-0, 10 KOs), a 33-year-old from Brockton, Massachusetts, comes to Belfast with little fanfare in his first fight outside the USA. A split-decision victory against a 20-2 Tramaine Williams last May is his biggest scalp to date. Walsh will have to adapt to a famously raucous atmosphere in Belfast, where thousands are expected to attend.
“This is his opportunity,” Conlan added. “He’s earned it. He’s undefeated, he’s 19-0 with ten knockouts. He could be dangerous if he wants to be, but I think I will just show that I am levels ahead and push on to where I want to get to, which is a world title.”
The world title belts at 126 pounds are currently in the hands of Angelo Leo (IBF), Brandon Figueroa (WBA), and Rafael Espinoza, who is the WBO champion. Rey Vargas has been designated WBC champion in recess, but the Mexican has not fought since he drew with Nick Ball over two years ago.
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