Coach Adam Booth is convinced Michael Conlan will be fighting for World titles within the next 12 months.
Promoter Frank Warren hinted this week a fight between the Belfast fighter and IBF Featherweight World Champion Josh Warrington could happen in early 2019.
With Conlan claiming he would love to face Warrington in New York on St Patrick’s Day.
And Booth, who will be in Conlan’s corner tomorrow night when he faces Diego Alberto Ruiz for the WBO and WBA Inter-Continental titles in Belfast - is sure his fighter is getting closer to the elite level of the sport.
“In a year’s time, any fight at featherweight or super-bantamweight for a world title is realistic for Michael.
“But at the moment we have to stay focused on the fight he has got in front of him and to work as hard as we can to make him the best version of the fighter that he can be.
“The featherweight division is full of excellent and accomplished fighters.
“As a fighter, you would not want it any other way. You don’t want belts handed to you as they don’t give you any satisfaction.
“You want to fight the best and that is the way we think Michael’s career is going to go.”
If you haven't already, be sure to like our Irish Mirror Sport and Irish Mirror GAA pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
