Michael Conlan feels ready for Warrington!
Undefeated rising featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (12-0, 7KO) feels he’s ready to challenge IBF champion Josh Warrington (29-0, 6KO).
In a recent interview with iFL TV, the former 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist was asked if he was interested in a fight with the champion.
“One hundred percent I’ll fight anybody! If it’s Josh Warrington or any of the other champions I’ll be ready and I’ll be waiting!”
The 27 year old Irish boxer’s career has been on the fast track as he holds both the WBA and WBO Inter-Continental titles. This puts him ranked inside the top 10 in three of the major sanctioning bodies.
LOOKING FORWARD
When viewing the ranking systems and some of the recent moves that have taken place inside the division, Conlan’s path to a title could be sooner than expected even if a fight with Warrington doesn’t materialize.
This has opened a few opportunities for him. After stablemate/former WBO champion Oscar Valdez vacated the title, the organization ordered a fight between the top two ranked fighters in Shakur Stevenson vs Joet Gonzalez.
Currently ranked #3, the undefeated prospect could be placed at the top spot in a mandatory position down the line!
When asked about possibility of fighting fellow Olympian, prospect and stablemate Shakur Stevenson, he replied:
“One hundred percent as I’ve said anybody I’m ready and waiting.”
Then there is the WBA title with rumors of Leo Santa Cruz possibly vacating to move to lightweight opening another opportunity while being ranked #5.
The more difficult path is the IBF where he currently sits at #10 but could see a bump once the organization updates the system with the top two spots being unnamed.
Warrington has expressed a unification is top priority but if one isn’t available could decide to make a voluntary defense against the undefeated prospect.
Conlan’s position provides several options and any chosen path leads to a championship fight in the near future. Looking to fight one more time to close out the year will undoubtedly draw even more interest from the boxing community.
The featherweight division has been stagnant far too long! Hopefully with some new blood on the scene, we will finally start seeing things move!
By: Garrisson Bland
