Undefeated Jamie Conlan targeting world title

Struggling for motivation ahead of a keep-busy bout on Saturday night, Jamie Conlan revived a familiar routine to get the blood pumping for his fight against Argentinean Adrian Dimas Garzon.

“I knew what I had to do, but it kind of felt like second-gear sparring mentality,” explained the Belfast super-flyweight.

“I went off and did the old High Performance warm-up around the bags and I got back in the zone. I banged the pads and felt I was ready to go.”

An alumnus of Irish boxing’s successful High Performance Unit, 29-year-old Conlan has gradually built momentum as a professional and although Garzon was clearly out of his depth, the four rounds that the bout lasted at Dublin’s National Stadium were welcomed by the Belfast native.

Conlan, brother of world amateur champion Michael, extended his undefeated record to 15-0 with a stoppage at 1min 57secs of the fourth round as referee David Irvine stepped in to halt the contest shortly after Garzon was sent to the canvas following Conlan’s short right hand to his opponent’s temple.

The 39-year-old Argentine had clowned around for most of the 11 minutes that the fight lasted, making faces and attempting to wind Conlan up.

Conlan maintained his composure and used the bout as a tune-up for an anticipated showdown with England’s former world champion Paul Butler in the new year.

It is understood that the pair may feature in separate bouts on a shared bill early next year before clashing in a world-title eliminator in late spring or early summer, should Butler come through his next bout in Manchester next month.

“We’re already in talks but the venue is going to be a decision,” explained Conlan, who is keen to see the fight staged in Belfast, although Dublin’s National Stadium remains the likely venue as the Irishman’s promoters, Macklin’s Gym Marbella (MGM), have a number of dates lined up at the arena next year.

While Michael Conlan justifiably hogged the headlines with his world amateur success last month, his elder brother is hoping to bag an equivalent prize in the pro ranks.

“No matter what this year will be remembered for my brother’s achievements and not my own,” said the elder Conlan brother.

“His achievements are 2015 but hopefully in 2016 I’ll be able to join him and be a world champion.”

In the co-headliner on the MGM/Frank Warren fight card, Galway-born Peter McDonagh claimed the vacant Irish welterweight title with a 97-95 points win over Dubliner Dean Byrne after an entertaining brawl.

Ian Tims beat Michael Sweeney with Dublin prospects Declan Geraghty, Jamie Kavanagh and Seán Turner also recording wins.