WATCH: Exclusive interview with Michael Conlan ahead of St.Patrick's Day pro debut
Belfast boxer talks McGregor vs Mayweather, settling in America and Tim Ibarra.
Last updated 17th Mar 2017
Downtown Radio & Cool FM's sports reporter Paulo Ross flew to New York this week to catch up with Michael Conlan ahead of his highly anticipated professional debut at Madison Square Garden.
On St. Patrick's Day the Belfast boxer takes on Colorado Super-bantamweight Tim Ibarra in his first fight since that infamous 2016 Rio Olympic Games decision.
For Conlan, the chance to make his debut and be the main event at MSG is a dream come true and Ibarra holds no fears for him.
"Training has went perfect, the weight's good, I'm just looking forward to getting fighting now," he said.
"What a way to start though, to be headlining the show at MSG on St Patrick's Day.
"I believe I have the ability to beat anyone in the world.
"I'm focused on the fight but I'm really looking forward to soaking it all in and enjoying it."
In January, the 25-year old, his fiancé Shauna and young daughter Luisne left Northern Ireland for the USA.
The former Olympian swapped life in Belfast for L.A to pursue his dream of becoming a world champion and Conlan says he hasn't looked back since.
"It's been fantastic, we've settled in well, me, Shaun and the baby," he said.
"They're out every day going to the beach and the park and it's been great.
"It's no Belfast, but it's home at the minute."
Conlan will be fighting at the Garden Theatre and it's set for a 5,000 capacity crowd.
Among them are expected to be 1,000 fans travelling from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
He has been preparing with new trainer Manny Robles in Rock Gym Los Angeles, who has taken over from the role usually carried out by Michael's father.
"It's been fine," he said.
"Manny is kind of like a father figure.
"He reminds me of my father when I train with him and I feel at home."
The fight has had an extra sprinkle of stardust too, with MMA global superstar Conor McGregor's presence added to the roster.
The Dubliner will walk Conlan to the ring and he had some simple advice for the boxer.
"He just said 'be yourself and do your own thing and you'll be OK'," he said.
"It's something that was natural anyway, but I took it on board."
The Belfast boxer said he didn't need to return the favour over rumours of a Floyd Mayweather-McGregor clash in the ring.
"Nah, he doesn't need me, he'll maybe turn to boxing experts or do his won thing.
"Someone who believes in his ability more than anyone else in the world is Conor McGregor.
"You can't doubt someone with that belief."
And as for the added pressure of so many fans travelling to New York to see him compete, will it get to Conlan?
"Pressure's for tyres, not for me," he said with a laugh.
Michael Conlan also exclusively revealed that he plans to headline an SSE Arena Belfast 'Fight Night' before the end of the year.
Friday's fight will be televised on St. Patrick's night. Coverage starts at 2am UK time Saturday on Box Nation PPV.