Jamie Conlan faces must-win fight in home city


Jamie Conlan knows there is no margin for error when he collides with Nicaragua’s former world-title challenger Yader Cardoza for the WBC international silver super-flyweight strap in his home city of Belfast on Friday night.

‘The Mexican’ - already rated second by the WBO and ninth by the IBF - is seeking to crash the WBC rankings and move further towards a shot at a world title later in the year.

"Hopefully a great performance on Friday will finally lead to a huge fight against a big name at a massive  arena," said the reigning Commonwealth champion, who has won all 18 pro fights with 11 stoppage wins.

"I’ve been world rated for a wee while now so it’s a bit frustrating but you just have to keep focussing, set small short-term goals and then tick them off.

"But to remain relevant, to keep in the thoughts and words of the fans and media, I have to shine. There’s a very strong undercard but mine should still be the fight to stand out. Expect controlled fireworks!"

Globally, the 8st 3lb division is  awash with elite champions, with P4P contenders Roman Gonzalez and Naoya Inoue nestled on the WBC and WBO thrones, 21-0 Birmingham banger Kal Yafai in  possession of the WBA strap and formidable Filipino Jerwin Ancajas wearing the IBF belt. 

Conlan is desperate for an opportunity to get among them.

"I’ve not seen anything of Ancajas but he’s got a very  impressive record (one loss in 28) and he beat a good  champion (Puerto Rico’s previously undefeated McJoe Arroyo)  to win the title," said Conlan.

"There’s noise that Naoya Inoue will be moving up to challenge Japan's WBC bantamweight champion (Shinsuke  Yamanaka) which could leave an opening for the vacant WBO title.

"But I leave it all to my team. They’re  biding their time but I’ve every confidence they’ll deliver. I’m a strong believer in letting the fighter fight, the trainer train, the manager manage and the promoter promote. We all have our job to do."

After 28 months on the road, Conlan returned to his native city last November with a routine eight-round shutout win over Hungarian David Koos.

However, Friday’s assignment  promises to be altogether more taxing, live on BoxNation.

"Last time, it was nice to keep busy but the camp was more beneficial than the fight. I’ve not even watched the tape back," he said.

"I just kept on the jab and listened to the corner, ticked the boxes trainer Danny  (Vaughan) wanted me to tick. Now I’ve got a proper  fight and I have to show improvement.

"I boxed at The Waterfront previously on a (Carl) Frampton undercard and it’s a brilliant atmosphere. The crowd’s roar echoes back to you, like an opera or an orchestra."

Opponent Cardoza, a 28-year-old from a renowned fighting nation that has given us the likes of Alexis Arguello, Ricardo Mayorga and Roman Gonzalez, is a veteran of 33 starts across an eight year career that peaked with a May 2013 challenge for the WBC light-flyweight title.

"I’ve watched him on tape and he’s relentless - far  more Ricardo Mayorga than Arguello or ‘Chocolalito," added Conlan.

"His record suggests he’s not the biggest puncher but he throws some wicked shots. He’s very tough and quite unpredictable - dirty with his head and elbows.

"I’m expecting an exciting fight but I’ve got to stick to my gameplan."

Like what you've read?

MOST READ

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content

Next Off

Fixtures & Results

Fetching latest games....
We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo