Conlan gives Nikitin the finger – Top Rank fighter done with Russian nemesis

Michael Conlan [11(6)-0] has moved on from one Vladimir Nikitin and is now focused on progressing toward a world title shot.

The Russian seemed the ideal opponent for the Olympic medal winner’s return home and the #MTKFightNight at Féile an Phobail in terms of narrative.

The revenge story line would have generated massive excitement and having a ‘villain’ opponent would have added to what promises to be an exceptional atmosphere.

However, in terms progression the Russian, who pulled out due to a bicep injury, wasn’t ideal.

Nikitin, who holds two amateur wins over the Belfast fighter – one of which is the by now famous and highly controversial Rio quarter-final victory – hasn’t progressed in the pro ranks at the same pace as the Irish operator.

In that regard he would have proved a step down in class for a fighter looking to win a world title over the next 12 months – and while a win over him would have celebrated enormously it wouldn’t have moved the younger brother of world title challenger Jamie Conlan any closer to a major title shot.

Now with big fights on the horizon the World Amateur gold medal winner believes the window for a Nikitin fight is gone – and he will now focus on increasing his ranking and standing against  replacement Diego Alberto Ruiz [21(10)-2(0)].

I can move on with my career,” Conlan told BBC Radio Ulster’s Summer Club.

“That was probably a step back for me in terms of my progression. Everyone already knows I’m levels ahead of him as a professional.

“Yes, the storyline was significant enough to do the Falls Park fight and get revenge, but it’s no problem, I’m not going to chase it. I know I beat him but just didn’t get the decision.”

New Falls foe Ruiz doesn’t bring anywhere near the same hype as fellow Top Rank fighter Nikitin to Belfast, but should prove a much sterner test.

He certainly has miles more experience and Conlan believes he comes to town confident of victory.
“He’s going to come in with a lot of confidence,” added Conlan.

“But it doesn’t matter, with the way I’ve been in training, I know what I need to do. I feel as though I have a bulletproof mindset so I’m really happy with where I am – right now, I feel like I could beat any world champion.”