‘I’m within touching distance of a world title’ – Michael Conlan outlines world title options

Michael Conlan [14(8)-0] could fight for a world title in his next fight.

The Belfast super bantamweight is hoping to return on his annual St Patrick’s Day, Madison Square Garden fight night – and hasn’t ruled out going straight into a world title fight on March 17.

The Olympic medal winner was set to fight former world champion Isaac Dogboe on December before going into a March 2021 world title fight, only for an ankle injury to rule him out of that proposed clash.

There were suggestions that injury may push any world title plans back until late next year, but the Top Rank fighter is adamant he is at the very least just one win away from a tilt.

Angelo Leo is the reigning champion, but has to face mandatory challenger Stephen Fulton early next year.

Once the Americans compete Conlan feels ready to fight the winner. Depending on when the mandated world title fight plays out, that challenge could take place in New York in March or Belfast in August.

“It’s one fight then a world title or else it’s a world title next. I’m unsure what way it’s going to work, I don’t care what way it works because I’m ready for anything,” Conlan told Behind the Gloves.

There were suggestions the Dogboe challenge was perfect passage to world level for the undefeated 29-year-old – and that may be a fight remade for March.

However, if the Adam Booth trained fighter has the chance to straight into world title action it’s one he is confident he can take.

“I am at that stage now where I’ll fight anybody. I don’t care. I know I am within touching distance of a world title and I know when I get my opportunity to fight for a world title I’ll grab it with both hands and I’ll be world champion.”

Regardless of what is on the line the World Amateur Championship gold medal winner will return in March regardless.

“I could be out before St Patrick’s Day. It’s probably pointless going before then, but who knows it could be before then, or on then, but it won’t be after.”