Revealed: Michael Conlan opens up about the only opponent who ever irritated him
Michael Conlan admits he’s been frustrated by the tactics adopted by several of his opponents and relishes the prospect of facing a fighter coming forward.
The Belfast featherweight has followed up his world amateur title by making serene progress to 9-0-KO6 since turning professional but has been frustrated by opponents targeting survival rather than victory.
Conlan, who stopped Nicola Cipolletta in the seventh in his last bout in October and returns to action on the Josh Warrington vs. Carl Frampton undercard in Manchester on December 22, is keen to step up.
Conlan said: “Cipolletta really irritated me. I want someone who’s going to come and meet me. I don’t want someone negative.
“Cipolletta didn’t even try and punch. He was meant to be a solid opponent but I had to make myself look good against him despite his negativity.
“I’m already back in camp now and we’re at the stage where my trainer Adam Booth and I are really clicking as a coach-fighter relationship. I’m improving my understanding of what we need to do and how we need to do it.
“Against Cipolletta, I was happy and he was happy. He’s completely calm when he talks in the corner and I felt anything he asked me to do, I could do. He never panics.
“Adam is very methodical with how he works and I feel having him in my corner is a big benefit. Since I’ve turned professional, I’ve a lot more confidence.
“He’s not as outwardly fiery as I am but he has that in him as well. He knows how to get into my head and I feel it’s meant to work the way it’s meant to work. He doesn’t need to change anything about me.”
Conlan’s return will be broadcast live on BT Sport Boxing Office along with MTK Global team-mates Frampton, Paddy Barnes, Steven Ward, Jack Massey, Sam Maxwell and Alex Dickinson.
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