Chess not checkers – Patience required in Michael Conlan’s world title assault

Jamie Conlan suggests brother Michael Conlan [13(7)-0] would be best served banking two more wins before challenging for a world title.

The Belfast featherweight was lined up for a WBO world title tilt and was certain to challenge the title at the Feile this August.

It’s believed the Olympic medal winner would challenge for a title vacated by fellow Top Rank star Shakur Stevenson.

However, his brother and manager believes patience is a virtue his younger sibling should now show.

With Emanuel Navarrete having all but been given mandatory status by the WBO and with Conlan ranked by all four of the governing bodies, MTK’s Vice President believes it’s time to survey the options.

He also indicated two more fights would benefit the Adam Booth trained fighter.

As a result Jamie Conlan is targeting the World Amateur Championship gold medal winner’s St Patrick’s Day New York visit as ideal for a shot.

“I have to put my big brother/manager hat on and say that two more fights is looking the ideal way to go for Michael. I know he’d fight for a world title right now but the plan is two more fights and then go for the world title on St Patrick’s night at MSG,” said Jamie when speaking to the Belfast Telegraph.

“We’re in the middle of a bit of a chess game at the moment, just looking to see the right moves to make to take Michael to a world title opportunity – to see what door will open for him at the right time.”

Conlan will next fight on a BT Sports Studio card in August before chosing between to massive Top Rank undercards and securing another fight before the year is out.

“He has the option of fighting on the undercard of Lomachenko against Lopez but also there is the option of being part of the undercard to the heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder on December 19 in Las Vegas.”