Michael Conlan is dreaming of defeating Leigh Wood on St Patrick’s Day in New York City. Last week, it was announced that Eddie Hearn had won the purse bid to stage Conlan vs. Wood, and speculation is intensifying on where the fight should take place.
Conlan, a major draw in both New York and Belfast, has long been a staple of New York fight nights when the joyous Irish are in town, but does Hearn want to give home advantage to a fighter who boxes under the Top Rank banner?
Leigh Wood, a fighter who has climbed the rankings the hard way after numerous career setbacks, both in and out the ring, became world champion earlier this year when stopping Xu Can at Fight Camp 2.
Despite some support in his native Nottingham, it remains to be seen whether Wood can attract local interest the way Conlan has in recent times. The Irish challenger believes the location of the fight is a no brainer.
“It has to be New York or Belfast, but I'd love it at Madison Square Garden,” said Conlan when speaking exclusively to DAZN.
“Eddie is a smart promoter and he’s paid a lot of money for this fight so I’m sure he’ll want to make the most of it. Can you imagine all the Irish in New York on St Patrick’s Day watching me win the world title? It’s the stuff I dream about.”
With a ton of logic suggesting that Conlan is spot on regarding the fight’s venue, Hearn will also consider what will suit Wood best. The WBA champion is in line to face Leo Santa Cruz, an enormous fight, if successful against Conlan, and that might just be enough to make his promoter give him home advantage. Regardless of the location, Conlan says the outcome of the fight is decided.
“He can’t beat me. I’m convinced of that. What he’s done in the last year has been quite impressive and I salute him for his performance at Fight Camp, but he’s going up a few levels against me. I’ve got my preferences to where I want to fight him and perhaps that’s me being a little selfish, but whether it’s New York, Belfast or Nottingham, I know I’m getting the win.”