Conlan still just one win away from British title shot
By Jonny Stapleton
JAMIE Conlan believes he remains just one victory away from a shot at British flyweight belt despite the cancellation of his title eliminator over the weekend.
Paul Edwards looked to have landed a serious career blow to Conlan by electing against trading ring blows with the Belfast fighter in Liverpool on January 21.
However, despite yet another disappointing cancellation, Conlan remains optimistic and is adamant he remains on course to become lord of the British Flys.
The John Breen trained talent now fights a six rounder in Liverpool at the end of the month and although his next outing is no longer billed as an British title eliminator, Conlan is confident a win will see him fight Chris Edwards in the summer.
“Frank has told me if I look good in Liverpool I will get the shot at Chris Edwards. Lets hope he stays true to his word,” Conlan told Mirror Sport. “I know Frank was upset and angry with Paul Edwards for withdrawing. I am disappointed too. For me Paul Edwards was the British champion as I thought he beat Chris in their title fight. This was my British title fight I was busting to go and I was busting to do a job on him. I would have stopped Paul in front of his home crowd there is no doubt about that.”
Conlan will not get the chance to stop Paul Edwards in front of his home town support, but he hopes a win in Liverpool will ensure he get the opportunity to challenge for the British title in front of his.
The 24 year old with aspirations to be the biggest of the domestic little guys claims Maloney is considering Chris Edward/Jamie Conlan in Belfast this May.
“I won’t let the news get me down. If I was off the bill I would have been disgusted, but I am still just one fight away from Chris Edwards. I know Chris isn’t a massive ticket seller and John Breen and Frank have talked about putting the fight on in Belfast. I would love that to happen and with all the young talent coming through we could have a massive card.”
Suggestions Edwards shied away from the flyweight bout because he feared Conlan were rife over the weekend, but the brother of Olympic hopeful Michael Conlan doesn’t agree.
“I wouldn’t go as far as saying he was afraid, but I don’t know why he didn’t say he need more time weeks ago? With the flyweight pool not being so plentiful we will have to meet at some stage. So he if he does hold that fear it is not looking to good for him.”
