Paddy Barnes and Jamie Conlan ready for Titanic bouts

Belfast boxers Paddy Barnes and Jamie Conlan are preparing to co-headline a hotly anticipated fight night at Titanic Belfast this weekend.

Rising star Conlan will be hoping to extend his unbeaten record to 18 fights on Saturday night.

He has been training hard as he continues to work towards a world title shot next year and says he cannot afford a slip-up right now.

Conlan is feeling confident though and predicts fireworks when he steps into the ring.

“I’ve a team behind me that’s pushing me in the right direction and it’s just my time,” Conlan told UTV’s Ruth Gorman.

Meanwhile, Olympian Paddy Barnes will be making his professional debut on the same card.

He has represented Ireland in Beijing, London and Rio, winning two Bronze medals, and he now hopes to enjoy success among the pro ranks.

Promoter Frank Warren has hailed Barnes as “something special” and says it will be an honour to promote his first professional bout.

He also guarantees excitement on Saturday, given Conlan’s track record and the fact his clash with Anthony Nelson in April has already been named Fight of the Year.

A host of other local talent will also be in action on Saturday, including Marco McCullough, Tyrone McKenna and Steven Ward.