Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Michael Conlan vs Karim Guerfi: 'No room for error' as Conlan eyes up world title shot

Jamie Conlan insists there is "no room for error" ahead of brother Michael's return to the ring this weekend.

Michael takes on Frenchman Karim Guerfi at the SSE Arena on Saturday night knowing victory will keep him on course for a world title shot in 2023.

Conlan Boxing have already pre-booked the SSE Arena and Madison Square Garden for St Patrick's Day, but first they have to overcome former European champion Guerfi in Belfast.

Read more: Michael Conlan vs Karim Guerfi TV and live stream info

"There is no room for error. Karim has bounced back a few times from big losses, but at this stage of his career there will be no coming back (from defeat)," said promoter Jamie.

"For Michael, every fight is crucial if he wants to get a shot at a world title. And the way his mindset is every fight is a world title fight for him.

"A loss here would be very detrimental and difficult to come back from. He is in a tough fight, and there are elements that Karim will bring which will pose a lot of problems for Michael.

"But he will need to answer them if he wants to become world champion."

Conlan's dream is to fight for a world title in front of his Belfast fans on St Patrick's Day next year.

Logistics in the featherweight division may delay such a shot, with August another potential date of destiny for Conlan.

But the fighting brothers are determined to make it happen.

"St Patrick's Day is a massive carrot," Jamie added.

"The plan would be a world title shot in March. We have booked both the SSE Arena for March 17, with Michael and Pody (McCrory) being lined up for big fights.

"We have also booked Madison Square Garden for the same date, so both options will be on the table. Even if Mick goes to New York, then Pody McCrory could headline the Belfast show.

"That's all there and set, but it won't happen unless Saturday goes to plan. And it has to go to perfection. There are a lot of risks that can derail the future.

"A lot of dominos have to fall into place for us to get a world title shot in March, and a lot of things are out of our control.

"We can just control the controllables and that starts with winning on Saturday night."

Jamie added: "There is a good chance it will be a world title fight in March. There are a lot of moving pieces right now in the featherweight division in terms of titles, and a lot of uncertainty especially with the WBA with Leigh Wood and Leo Santa Cruz.

"Also the IBO and IBF situations, so there are a lot of things that can happen. We can just get Michael in the best position.

"There are plenty of potential opponents out there. Isaac Dogboe is one. If (Luis Alberto) Lopez wins at the weekend we could look at that.

"We are always looking at Leigh Wood. I spoke to Eddie Hearn who says that is always possible. He feels it is cheaper without a world title, but it is a fight that will always make sense because of the first fight and how it ended, and the animosity and all that.

"I think that would be a massive fight for both guys next year."

READ NEXT:

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.