Belfast boxer Michael Conlan eyes return to ring after title dreams put on hold

Belfast boxer Michael Conlan talks to UTV about his return to the ring after Covid-19 put his world title dreams on hold.
Belfast boxer Michael Conlan talks to UTV about his return to the ring. Credit: UTV

Belfast boxer Michael Conlan may have had his world title dreams put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, but his return to the ring could be imminent.

The 28-year-old had been planning an electric night for fight fans at Féile an Phobail in August, but sporting events have been hit hard by restrictions put in place to limit the spread of the virus.

While the Féile will go ahead in a virtual format, Conlan’s return to the ring now looks likely to be in London – potentially on the same bill as fellow Belfast fighter Carl Frampton.

“I’ve been non-stop training,” Conlan told UTV, during a brief visit home from his training camp.

“I’m ready to go right now, to be honest.”

Conlan, who is undefeated in his 13 professional fights so far, was looking towards his first world title bout and says, while that is on hold for now, it could still happen this year.

  • Video report by UTV Sports Correspondent Ruth Gorman