Featherweights Michael Conlan and Kevin Walsh have both weighed in inside the 126lbs limit ahead of their 10-round WBC international title fight tomorrow in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Conlan, the home favourite, recorded a weight of 126lbs, while Walsh, from Brockton, Massachusetts, was cheered loudly by his travelling support as he tipped the scales at 125.4lbs.
Tomorrow, Conlan and Walsh will square off at the SSE Arena, where Conlan has enjoyed some of his best times and also some of his worst times. It is, for so many reasons, a critical fight in the careers of both.
“I’m good,” said Conlan, 20-3 (10 KOs), after weighing in. “I’m relaxed, looking forward to it. It’s just another fight. Kevin’s a good fighter, a good guy, and I’m looking forward to putting on a show and getting the victory. I believe I will do so in style.”
Asked what kind of fight the fans can expect from him tomorrow night, Conlan simply said: “A masterclass.” Asked then to elaborate, he added: “Whether it’s a knockout or whether it’s a shutout, it will be a masterclass performance.”
As for Walsh, by far the more animated of the two, he is seemingly just grateful for the opportunity. He sees tomorrow’s fight as both a chance to end Conlan’s career and in turn launch his own.
“I’ve got a huge support system coming all the way from Brockton, Massachusetts,” said Walsh, 19-0 (10 KOs). “I’m just taking it all in, embracing it. I love all my people – thanks for coming out.
“There’s just a little bit of pressure, but you know what they say about pressure? Pressure makes diamonds, baby. We’re ready for war. That’s it. It’s going to be a war. I’m expecting the best Michael Conlan yet, but I’m also expecting this to be Michael’s last dance. That’s what it’s going to be.
“After I get the win, it’s just big things, man; world titles ahead of me. I feel like I’m the new face of boxing – I will be the new face of boxing. Featherweight division, I’m putting you guys on notice, baby. King Kev’s here.”
