Tim Ibarra’s surprised reaction to being chosen as Mick Conlan’s debut opponent

Such is the hype that will inevitably and deservedly surround Mick Conlan‘s professional debut, the name Tim Ibarra is one that we will hear a lot over the next two months.

The little-known Colarado boxer is the man plucked from the masses to face Conlan in his first pro fight on Friday March 17th at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

While Ibarra’s 4(1)-4(2) record is not the most visually pleasing, the 26 year old has been afforded the rare luxury of a full two months notice, so we can expect a fit and hungry opponent for the six-round super bantamweight contest come fight night.

Indeed the fight could feasibly be the biggest occasion of Ibarra’s boxing career. However, despite the scale of it all, plenty of people knew about the bout long before Ibarra.

The American did not learn of his huge opportunity until seven hours after the news had broke – finding out via his Facebook newsfeed.

Ibarra commented “hahaha damn, I didn’t even know! Found out on the timeline!”

The Mountain region boxer admits that he was unaware the bout had been finalised. “There had been talks here and there, but I’m game!” he confirmed

An official announcement on the card will come tomorrow afternoon at a press conference in New York City.

–

Joe O’Neill and Gavan Casey look ahead to 2017 in episode 1 of The Irish Boxing Show