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Australia could be next as Michael Conlan prepares to blow Chanez away in Windy City rumble

Michael Conlan celebrates after stopping Tim Ibarra in New York
Michael Conlan celebrates after stopping Tim Ibarra in New York Michael Conlan celebrates after stopping Tim Ibarra in New York

Boxing: Michael Conlan v Alfredo Chanez (tonight, UCI Pavilion, live on BoxNation)

MICHAEL Conlan headlines the bill in Chicago tonight and his next fight could be in Australia.

Carl Moretti, vice-president of Conlan’s handlers Top Rank, says the west Belfast super-bantamweight is being lined up for a trip Down Under if, as expected, he sees off Mexican Alfredo Chanez at the UIC Pavilion.

“If all goes well, he’ll fight on July 2 in Brisbane on Manny Pacquiao's world championship undercard,” said Moretti.

His statement is further evidence of Top Rank’s grand designs for Conlan, who made his pro debut by topping the bill at the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York on St Patrick’s weekend.

“New York City was an event,” Moretti added.

“I have never seen a pro debut explode like that. One day he will sell out Madison Square Garden in the big room, there's no question, it’s something we feel is attainable.

“He needs experience and is getting great experience training and sparring with world champions.

“He's doing everything the right way but there’s nothing like getting rounds in without headgear and with eight ounce gloves. The more fights he gets the better he'll become.

“Boston, New York and Chicago will be the best places to host Michael's fights, but we are fielding calls from a lot of venues all over the US.

“He is an attraction and especially in boxing, representing their countries while fighting in the United States is so important.”

Conlan, based in Los Angeles where he works under Manny Robles at The Rock Gym, was able to maintain focus, put the hype to one side and stop Tim Ibarra on his debut and he should do the same with Chanez tonight.

The Tijuana native has a 4-4 record and lost his last two after putting together a four-win run back in 2015. After getting his debut out of the way, Conlan should be more relaxed and focussed tonight and if Chanez sees the fourth round he will have done better than expected. As usual, Conlan is taking things in his stride.

“It’s unbelievable to represent my country in the ring,” he said.

“New York was something I couldn't even dream of, just a great night.

“That was my first performance as a professional and I just know I can do better and

look forward to a better performance in my second fight. I know how good I want to be and I know I can improve on a lot more.”

Conlan predicts that Rio Olympics silver medallist Shakur Stevenson could be a future opponent. Stevenson, also signed with Top Rank, moved to 2-0 after blasting out Carlos Gaston Suarez in the first round at Madison Square Garden earlier this month.

“Our paths are a long way off, but our meeting in the ring is destined,” said Conlan who is expecting a vocal support from the huge Irish population in ‘the Windy City’.

“It’s been fantastic,” he added.

“I’m really happy to be back in Chicago, it’s a great city and it reminds me a great deal of Ireland.

“I’m sure UIC Pavilion will be filled with an Irish crowd and I'm hoping it's a great atmosphere like we had in New York. The support here in the States has been fantastic.

“I'm getting more fans every day contacting me on social media, especially in Chicago. It’s great to see all these people that just want to watch a kid from Belfast fight.”

Conlan v Chanez is live on BoxNation tonight. Buy now at www.boxnation.com.