Michael Conlan stops Karim Guerfi to move closer to world title shot
HOMETOWN HERO: Michael Conlan celebrates defeating Karim Guerfi in their featherweight bout at the SSE Arena in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
A packed SSE Arena in Belfast danced and sang along to 'Merry Christmas Everyone' on Saturday night and it will be a very merry one for Michael Conlan who obliterated Karim Guerfi in 154 seconds to manoeuvre himself into place for a second crack at world honours on St Patrick's Day.
Conlan promised a ruthless display in the build-up and he delivered just that against the five-time European champion, the work on his power from the southpaw stance taking little time to make a dent to dispel any lingering myths that he can't crack.
This was a meeting between two men who came out on the wrong side of fight-of-the-year contenders within weeks earlier this year and both absolutely had to win to retain any hopes of moving back into the world title picture.
Conlan walked to the ring to a medley of tracks, culminating with 'You're a Superstar' - a favourite for those in Belfast who enjoy shuffling their feet on a Saturday night and there is no better mover than the former world amateur champion.
He backed that up with power and ruthlessness, a left to the head putting the Frenchman on unsteady legs and a follow-up assault sending him to the floor. Although he rose, his legs were gone and referee Steve Gray waved it off.
"I just want to win and fight for a world title as soon as possible," said Conlan.
"I was happy to win in that fashion. If I were to go nine or ten rounds with Karim Guerfi, people would ask if I was worthy of a world title fight, but I got that out of the way and people might now think if I can do it against a better opponent."
That world title picture at featherweight took another turn on Saturday night in Leeds with Luis Alberto Lopez dethroning Josh Warrington for the IBF strap and with he and Conlan both promoted by Top Rank, it is a very obvious match to make.
But so too could a meeting with Isaac Dogboe for a possible vacant title as it is anticipated WBO holder Emmanuel Navarrete is ready to move up in weight, leaving the strap free.
Either way, Conlan just wants another shot at top honours having suffered defeat to Leigh Wood in March in the most gut-wrenching of ways.
"Nothing is guaranteed and boxing's a funny old game," said the 31-year-old after his win.
"Things chop and change, but there are options there and we'll explore every single one.
"That (Dogboe) could be the fight and fantastic but whatever, it's got to be a fight that warrants a world title. On St Patrick's Day, it needs to be a huge fight no matter who it is.
"Hopefully next year I'm a world champion, but I've been saying that for three years! I'll keep going and keep rolling the dice.
"March was a massive learning curve. I had a world title in my grasp and let it slip away with a minute and-a-half to go - heartbreaking, heart-wrenching - will live with me forever until I right that wrong. But it's made me a much better fighter."
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