“I think Mick might be the silkier boxer, while Leigh can get in there and bang.”
This Saturday sees Leigh Wood defend his world title in Nottingham, against Irishman Michael Conlan, who is bidding to win his first title at this level.
It’s hard to split the two fighters, as they have equal pedigree and skill, and it’s this curiosity and element of the unknown that makes it such an intriguing battle.
One person who knows both fighters better than most is Jason Quigley, the world title contender from Donegal.
Quigley fought alongside Michael Conlan for Team Ireland in their amateur days, but was also a part of the same stable as Leigh Wood in the professional ranks, under the tutelage of Dominic Ingle, in Sheffield.
With such an understanding of both boxers, Quigley is probably the best man to share his opinion of this Saturday’s big fight.
“I have probably known Mick Conlan longer than I’ve known Leigh Wood. I’ve been on the Irish team and then away on holidays after tournaments with Mick, so I know him quite well.
“I’m great friends as well with Leigh Wood because he was obviously with Dominic Ingle when I was there, and we went through a lot of training camps together, and we created a great relationship.
[caption id="attachment_252442" align="alignnone" width="1200"]Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
“I think it’s going to be a tremendous fight, a lot of people have it down as a 50/50, and I have to agree with them.
“I think Mick might be the silkier boxer, while Leigh can get in there and bang, he hits really hard, so Mick needs to be on his toes and make sure he doesn’t get caught with that.
Picture By Mark Robinson.“Obviously Leigh has to make sure that he does get in and land with that, so it’s going to be a really exciting fight, one I’m very much looking forward to and may the best man win on the night.”
