The Conlan Cauldron – Warren calls for fans to play their part
A common topic among Irish boxing writers in recent times has been the feeling that Jamie Conlan [19(11)-0] has, deep down, a special performance in his locker.
A Bernard Dunne v Ricardo Cordoba, a night where he boxes levels above ever before, a perfect moment when everything comes together and a fighter rises to and beyond the occasion.
This Saturday night he needs that – and promoter Frank Warren wants Irish fight fans to help.
Much like when the old Point Depot roared Dunne to victory against the fancied Panamanian, Warren has appealed to the crowd heading to the SSE Odyssey Arena this weekend to turn ‘The Jackal’s Den’ into ‘The Conlan Cauldron’ and take Jerwin Ancajas [27(18)-1(0)-1] out of his comfort zone.
The Filipino puts his IBF super flyweight title on the line against Conlan in the co-main event, live on BT Sport.
Carl Frampton headlines the ‘Frampton Reborn’ card, however the major fight of significance in Conlan’s attempt to pull of one of the shocks of the year.
Warren outlined how “I am sure Carl Frampton won’t mind me saying but, for once, a show in Belfast isn’t just about the main man himself.”
“Of course, having the highly decorated and hugely charismatic Carl topping the bill has seen to it that the SSE Arena will be packed the rafters on the night for his return to the ring against the dangerous Mexican Horacio Garcia, but I am sure the Belfast public won’t want to miss a moment of the chief support acts.”
“Before The Jackal takes to the ring I am certain that Jamie Conlan will have the arena absolutely rocking for his tilt at the IBF world super flyweight title against Jerwin Ancajas.”
“It is a real tough one for Jamie against the 27-1-1 man who calls himself ‘Pretty Boy’ and he will definitely have his work cut out against the formidable Filipino.”
The veteran English promoter though believes that there could be the perfect storm on Saturday for the 31 year old.
Warren described how “Jamie is never lacking is heart and extreme bravery. There has been a few times over the last couple of years when he could have called in quits and saved himself for another day, but he always dug deep and found a way to win despite absorbing huge punishment in the process.”
“Yes he will need to box smartly against the southpaw puncher with 18 KOs, but he will also need to draw on the emotion of the crowd who will be willing him to victory.”
“Between Jamie and those supporting him in the Arena, they’ve got to really remind Ancajas that he is away from home and up against it.”
