Mick Conlan really wants to fight Vladimir Nikitin.
Vladimir Nikitin’s hugely controversial win over Mick Conlan in the 2016 Rio Olympics is what drove the Belfast man to the professional ranks.
Conlan beat Nikitin over four rounds, but the judges awarded the Russian the fight and a spot in the semi-finals. Remarkably, Nikitin was so badly beaten up that he was unable to continue in the competition. The injuries he suffered saw him withdraw, but he still won a bronze medal.
According to Conlan, that controversy is probably the best thing that’s ever happened in his career. Sure, he was robbed of another Olympic medal, but the incident did earn him attention on a global scale. His expletive-laden interview with RTE directly after flipping the bird in protest of the judges’ decision instantly became iconic. He has embraced the moment by using his famous ‘one-fingered salute’ as a logo for his merchandise.
So when Nikitin turned pro, it was no wonder he wanted his promoters, Top Rank, to sign him. He wants that rematch. He knows it’s the biggest fight he could possibly ask for right now.
Man who ‘beat’ Mick Conlan in Rio Olympics calls for rematch following pro debut
When and where?
Now that Nikitin is on Top Rank’s books, the Conlan fight is inevitable. It’s only a matter of when and where. Next up for Conlan is a bout in Las Vegas on October 20. After that, a fight in Madison Square Garden in December is a possibility.
The rumours circulating are that Conlan could fight Nikitin in MSG. December may be a bit soon for that fight in which case, a Paddy’s Day fight in the Big Apple could be on the cards. Conlan also confirmed to Seconds Out that the rematch may happen closer to home.
“Ireland or Madison Square Garden is the talk at the minute. Next year, hopefully, in Ireland we’re going to have a big outdoor arena fight for me in the Feile, which is an Irish festival. There will be over 10,000 people there. To have that be in my local festival at the Falls Park, which is basically my back garden, it would be fantastic. There’s talk already of fighting Nikitin in there.”
Either option sound perfect. Here’s hoping this gets booked sooner rather than later.
