‘It won’t go past four’-Conlan predicts KO win on Lomachenko-Rigondeaux card

Michael Conlan has predicted that he will record his fifth stoppage win on the spin when he takes to the ring in the chief-support bout to the world super-featherweight-title clash between Vasyl Lomachenko and Guillermo Rigondeaux in New York tonight.

Former world amateur champion Conlan (4-0, 4KOs) takes on Argentinean Luis Fernando Molina (7-3-1) in a six-round co-feature featherweight bout at Madison Square Garden’s Theater in support of two of world boxing’s most gifted fighters.

The meeting of Lomachenko and Rigondeaux marks the first time that two double Olympic champions clash in the pro ranks, while London 2012 medallist Conlan will feature on their undercard.

Since turning pro last March – topping the bill at MSG with a stoppage win over Tim Ibarra on St Patrick’s Day – Conlan has recorded four wins in less than nine months.

The former world, European, Olympic and Commonwealth medallist is keen to impress this weekend as he features live on ESPN TV in the US and BoxNation in the UK and Ireland.

“I don’t think it will go past four, definitely not. If a stoppage actually happens in the fourth it happens, but I don’t see it going past four and I’m feeling confident,” said Conlan, who tipped the scales at 126.2lbs at Friday’s weigh-in.

“I’ve watched a good bit of him [Molina]. He comes forward, he’s a rugged little fighter and he’s game. I think he had a decent enough amateur background –he fought at a decent level as an amateur and as a pro he’s had seven wins, two losses and one draw and they were close losses. He’s game and he’s going to come to win, but I think he’s going to be made for me.

“I’ve already headlined at the Garden and I’m going to be top of the bill again on St Patrick’s Day next year, but I need to impress in this fight. It’s a huge main event – two of boxing’s best going at it – and I have a great opportunity to show what I’m capable of and I won’t be wasting that chance.”

Conlan’s manager, MTK Global’s Matthew Macklin, believes the Belfast native will be out to make a statement this weekend.

“I want to see a clean performance, with a good shot selection. Pick his punches and don’t rush it,” said Macklin. “He’ll dictate the pace and fight when he wants to fight and rest when he needs to. He’ll be the boss in there and I want to see a very controlled and composed performance.
“This is a great stage for him to be on, but he deserves to be here. Top Rank have really backed him, but he has all the tools to be a huge attraction here in New York and I believe he’ll show why on Saturday night.”

Molina weighed in at 125.4lbs and insisted he will be out to cause an upset this weekend, but the Buenos Aires native will have a confident opponent and a hostile crowd against him.

A sell-out attendance of over 5,000 will be present at MSG for Saturday night’s bouts and Conlan claims he will deliver a performance to please his travelling fans.

“I’ve a huge amount of support coming from Ireland and I’ve really got great support here in New York too, so I want to make sure the fans get their money’s worth,” said Conlan. “They won’t be going home disappointed. They’ll have a knockout win to celebrate and I’m sure they’ll make themselves heard!”