Booth has ‘subtle’ plan in place in case Feile atmosphere gets to Conlan
Adam Booth doesn’t foresee Michael Conlan [11(6)-0] having any issues fighting in front on 10,000 plus supporters a stone’s throw from his house on August 3rd, but has a plan in place just in case he does.
The Olympic medal winner brings a huge night of boxing to his back yard when he takes on Diego Alberto Ruiz [21(10)-2(0)] on the massive Féile an Phobail card next week.
Not only will it prove to be the most passionate crowd the Top Rank fighter has fought in front of, but it will be a crowd mainly there to support him as he brings a mouthwatering card home.
It’s the kind of occasion, event and atmosphere that can see fighters thrive or hide, but the Belfast fighter’s coach, who also works with Ryan Burnett and was in Andy Lee’s corner when he won the world middleweight title, is confident his charge will cope.
“He knows what to expect. It’s not like he hasn’t been in big atmospheres already as a professional,” said Booth.
“He’s no shrinking violet and I expect him to be the consummate professional,” he adds before revealing he won’t be afraid to react if he notices his fighter is distracted.
“If I see that Mick is being distracted by the occasion, I’ll give him a subtle nudge and a reminder.”
Conlan is singing off a similar hymn sheet. The World Championship gold medal winner claims he is used to the spotlight and will focus on whats in the ring not outside it.
“I feel I can call on the experiences I’ve already had like fighting in Madison Square Garden – that high pressure and high media attention. I’ve had them in all my fights so far.
“It’s just another fight for me in a way. It’s a special one – yes – but I’ll be able to control everything once I’m in there because of all the experiences I’ve already has a professional.”
Alongside Conlan vs. Ruiz on the card is a mouthwatering British and Commonwealth welterweight title clash between Paddy Gallagher and Chris Jenkins, a Celtic super-middleweight title bout between Padraig McCrory and Steve Collins Jr plus two crucial middleweight showdowns in Luke Keeler vs. Luis Arias and Alfredo Meli vs. Araik Marutjan.
A busy undercard sees exciting prospect Sean McComb take on the enigmatic Renald Garrido plus the ever-popular Paddy Barnes, Callum Bradley, Dennis McCann, Sean Duffy and Dee Sullivan looking to make their next statements.
