Michael Conlan to headline huge fight night in Belfast
Michael Conlan is to headline a massive outdoor fight night this summer in his home city of Belfast.
The WBO Inter-Continental Super-Bantamweight champion, former world amateur champion and Olympic medalist will fight former Super Bantamweight World Champion TJ Doheny in front of fans at the event in the Falls Park on Friday 6th August.
The event will take place as part of FĂ©ile an Phobail, the biggest community festival in Europe, which occurs each August in west Belfast.
Michael Conlan, commenting today on the fight night announcement, said:
“I am delighted that I will be returning to the Falls Park to fight in front of fans as part of Féile an Phobail.
“August 6th will show that Belfast is back!
“It’s a honour to share the ring with TJ Doheny. I have a lot of respect for him and his achievements being a former world champion. I believe it’s my toughest fight to date and with that I will make my biggest statement in my quest to become world champion.
“This is home turf for me and the last time was absolutely huge and probably the best atmosphere I have ever experienced in my entire boxing career.
“I am West Belfast and Falls Road born and bred so this means everything to me.
“Féile an Phobail and Top Rank have delivered again big time.
“I want to give the people of Belfast and Ireland a night to remember forever on Friday 6th August.
“This is going to be epic.”
Conlan’s opponent TJ Doheny said:
“ I am really happy to be back in action after being out of the ring for over a year.
“This will be my first time fighting on Irish soil and what a way to make a homecoming.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than this for an all-Irish clash and the fans are in for a real treat.
“This is the kind of fight that I have been craving since my split decision loss to Danny Roman in a world title unification. High level opposition is what motivates me and helps me raise my game and I cannot wait for this.”
Kevin Gamble, FĂ©ile an Phobail Director, said:
“Michael Conlan is a local hero from Cavendish Street on the Falls Road here in west Belfast.
“He is an inspiration to so many young people, showing what dedication and commitment and hard work can achieve.
“Two years ago Michael fought in the Falls Park along with a host of other local boxers as part of Féile an Phobail and it was a special night with an atmosphere that was out of this world.
“We have worked non-stop over the last few months with Top Rank and Conlan Boxing to make this happen again, and now it is confirmed.
“On Friday 6th August Féile an Phobail will be immensely proud to host a major fight night at our event space in the Falls Park in west Belfast headlined by Michael Conlan.”
Top Rank’s Bob Arum said:
“This is going to be another incredible occasion.
“Top Rank has worked extremely hard along with Féile an Phobail to make this massive event happen.
“Michael Conlan is coming home and we are going to put on a Belfast fight for the ages.
“Belfast is the city to be in on the weekend of 6th August this year.”
Tickets will go on sale this Friday 2nd July at 10am from Ticketmaster.ie.