Declan Rice has come under fire from Republic of Ireland fans after voicing his support for Michael Conlan against Leigh Wood.
The Belfast fighter aims to become a world champion when he faces England's Wood for his WBA featherweight belt in Nottingham on Saturday night.
Ahead of the bout, Rice, who won three senior Ireland caps before switching allegiance to England, told Conlan to bring the belt home.
Speaking in a video, the West Ham star said: "Just want to wish Mick and my good friend, Adam [Booth, head coach], all the best [Saturday] night in their title fight against Leigh Wood.
"Come on, Mick. Smash it, mate, get the world title and...uhhh...bring it back home.
"Top boy, all the best."
But Ireland fans weren't impressed with the comments and hit out at Rice on social media.
One said: "Bring it home? Pretty sure last I looked, Rice played for England."
Another posted: "Home don't think so Declan the proud Irish man who jumped ship."
Someone else tweeted: "Bring it back home? Aren't you English now?"
Conlan has vowed to put on a "fantastic performance" against the defending champion.
He said: “This is the most relaxed and calm I’ve ever been in a fight week.
“I don’t feel any pressure, I’m here in the opponent’s back garden and I’ve got to rip the belt off him.
“I hope he’s the best Leigh Wood there’s ever been because I believe I will be. It’ll make it all the sweeter when I beat him. I’m just expecting a fantastic performance by myself.”
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