Conrad Cummings “primed and ready” for new opponent following Mittag withdrawal

Conrad Cummings [10(4)-1(0)-1] has put Ronnie Mittag and revenge to the back of his mind and is fully focused on title success.

The popular Coalisland middleweight admits he was disappointed that a return with the only man to defeat him failed to materialise after Mittag withdrew from the proposed March 11th show set for Wales, which was subsequently cancelled.

However, there was a gold rather than silver lining on the dark cloud that had Cummings feeling blue following the Mittag news – Cyclone Promotions managed to secure the 160lbs prospect a WBO European title shot and a chance to gain a WBO world ranking.

The Tyrone puncher will face Austrian Gogi Knezevic [31(13)-6(6)-1] for the rankings belt on the Josh Taylor v Warren Joubert undercard at the Meadowbank Arena in Edinburgh, live on Spike TV.

“I was geared up for Mittag, anyone who watched the first fight knows I should have got the decision,” Cumming told Irish-Boxing.com.

“I was very very confident going into the rematch, I had a lot more to offer, but he pulled out and I’m just delighted my team stepped in and got me another great title fight,”

“It was my only ‘defeat’ and I wanted to correct that and I knew I would have. Who knows? Maybe again in the future. I’m just concentrated on becoming WBO European champ Friday night.”

Standing between Cummings and the WBO European title is Knezevic.

The 37 year old has a respectable record and even and is one of only two punchers to defeat the Cummings’ old foe Mittag, albeit in the German’s third fight.

The Shane McGuigan-trained puncher is expecting a tough test, but is confident of victory.

“This guy has a few belts and is very experienced with 30 wins, he actually had a win over Mittag also.”

“I’m very focused and 100% prepared. I’ll do my talking in the ring,” he added before stressing he will take the title in Scotland this weekend.

“My prediction? A win and I will become the new WBO European champ.”

With the Mittag fight called off, Cummings has effectively had 12 weeks to prepare for this fight and, rather than hinder his preparation, he claims the date change was beneficial.

“With the fight cancelled, I just continued training and kept focused, hoping my team would pull through – which they did. I’ve just had more time to prepare, 12 weeks hard work, I’m primed and ready.”

“Friday night, I want my belt.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)