Christmas on hold as Conlan plans Edwards double

By Jonny Stapleton

Jamie Conlan has managed to achieve what the Grinch couldn’t and has cancelled Christmas this year.

It will be punches and not presents for the Breen’s Gym star this holiday season, after he secured a January 21 British flyweight title eliminator with former champion Paul Edwards.

The Belfast fighter has finally got a break through fight and is just two steps away from becoming Lord of the domestic Flys’.

Conlan travels to Liverpool for the biggest fight and toughest test of his career to date late next month, but is confident he will win and secure a domestic dust up with champion Chris Edwards.

Conlan, whose brother has qualified for the London 2012 Olympics, is eager to secure the chance to become the biggest British little man and is training accordingly. Whilst revile in the season of goodwill the 24 year old is going to training hell and back.

“Paul Edwards is all I am thinking about right now. I am busting with excitement and busting to get going. I am expecting the toughest fight of my life but I am confident in my ability and what I can do. I am getting closer to the belt right now, but I have to go to Liverpool and make a statement first,” Conlan told Mirror Sport. “Christmas is cancelled until after January 21 for me. Training has been tougher than ever before. John (Breen), Eamonn(Magee), my father and my strength coach Charlie are putting through hell and back.”

Conlan got a little motivational boost as he watched reigning champ Paul Edwards retain the title the Belfast man craves in recent weeks.

The John Breen trained prospect claims he was impressed with Edwards reversal over Shinny Baayar, but noticed weaknesses he plans to exploit.

“Seeing Paul Edward’s retain his title shows me how close I am. I thought it was a good performance from Chris he learned were he went wrong against Shinny in their first fight, corrected it and won well. I saw what he does good but also what he does bad and would be quietly confident.”