Michael “Mick” Conlan got revenge against Vladimir Nikitin in a tough bout where both fighters had their moments, Nikitin with a nice overhand right and Conlan with steady boxing skills. The pride of Belfast, Conlan, who was expected to take gold, lost a controversial fight to Nikitin in the 2016 Rio Olympics. He was redeemed by earning a 10-round unanimous decision over Vladimir Nikitin to retain his WBO Intercontinental featherweight belt by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92. Conlan controlled most of the bout, but Nikitin, applying constant pressure, had his moments, especially with his overhand right.

 

Conlan is a well respected Irishman and a hard-working, level-headed, family man. His newly-signed contract with Top Rank puts him in good, careful, and possibly protected hands to move up.

 

He is not the type of person for fake animosity to build up a fight and is all professional. After the win he said, “I needed to right this wrong. Full credit to Nikitin, who fought his heart out.”

 

He is ready to move ahead. “It was a lot of pressure going into that fight, but it’s nice to get it done. Now, we can put this chapter of my career behind me.”