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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Gareth Fullerton & Mark Donlon

Michael Conlan vs Leigh Wood: 10 of the best quotes from Belfast press conference

Things got heated between Michael Conlan and Leigh Wood as the pair convened for two press conferences ahead of their WBA world featherweight title fight on March 12.

The Nottingham bout will represent a first shot at a world title for Belfast native Conlan, who boasts an unspoiled 16-0 record so far in his professional career.

The duelling pair met first on Wednesday in Wood's hometown of Nottingham, while on Thursday it was the turn of Belfast's Europa Hotel to host a second press conference where tempers soared once more.

Neither camp held back in dealing verbal blows the other way, and there were plenty of memorable jibes to be heard as promoter Eddie Hearn took up a position as a mediator while the two fighters' camps ranted and retorted.

Top 10 quotes

"There was no fear in me (in Nottingham). I came and talked my s*** and said what I had to say. Leigh stutters, he tries to spit things out and doesn't make any sense. I love this. This stuff gets me ready to go. I am ready to fight now." - Michael Conlan on Wednesday's press conference in Wood's home city of Nottingham

"It is going to be so, so, so good when March 12 comes. Sitting at 11 or 12 o'clock at night with the new WBA world featherweight champion and a nice big f*** you to everyone else in Nottingham." - Jamie Conlan March 12 showdown

"This is destiny. Going to your opponent's back yard and becoming a legend and creating a legacy. Ripping the title away from him and his family, his friends, the people he grew up with. It doesn't come much sweeter. And then we will get our own private jet back home." - Jamie Conlan on his brother's 'destiny'

"Nice to have you on DAZN. It's been a long-time coming. Of course we will have you on again (after this fight). We will give you a nice comeback fight..." Eddie Hearn welcomes Conlan to DAZN and jokes his next appearance after Wood will be a comeback fight

"We are working class kids from West Belfast. it is an area which breeds them tough. Every single one of us in this room has that fight that they don't have in places in Nottingham. It's what is in us." - Jamie Conlan on Belfast fighting spirit

"I know exactly what it's like to fight under that pressure at home. I have fought here three times and every one has been massive. I fought in a purpose built arena in Falls Park. This guy hasn't experienced that. He has come here and sat down and been quiet." - Michael Conlan on the pressure of fighting in front of a home crowd

"I believe Ben Davison believes in Leigh Wood's power. Does he believe in anything else? No he f****** doesn't. I have heard conversations he has had with people who I am friends with, and he is slating Michael more than he is bigging up Leigh. He has said not so nice things about my brother and we're here to rip it away from them." - Jamie Conlan on Wood's trainer Ben Davison

"I was so happy when you won the world title. I think you're a great fighter. You punch hard and have good boxing ability. But as I said yesterday, you've got slow feet and curly hair and I'll punch your head off." - Michael Conlan on Leigh Wood's boxing ability

"This fight means everything to me. I have taken myself away from both my children. This means everything to me. This is my life. All I know is boxing. And believe me, on March 12 it will be 'and the new!'." Michael Conlan on sacrifices

"Michael just has to prepare to be Michael. Be the best Michael Conlan he can be. The best Michael Conlan beats any featherweight in the world. And I have no doubt in my mind that on March 12 Ireland will have a new world champion and we will be parading the belt in Belfast the next day!" Jamie Conlan on Belfast 'parade'

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