BOXING: Michael Conlan looks for flying start in New York

The Belfast fighter will face Tim Ibarra in his professional debut at the world famous arena and the two time Olympian says he can’t wait to get started.

“I signed the pro deal with Top Rank in September and it seems a long time ago.

“This feels like it has been a long time coming and I am looking forward to going in there and putting on a performance.

“I know there is lots of hype about it but I am going to make you believe the hype - it’s as simple as that.”

And Conlan is hoping that Ibarra will put up a challenge that will be appreciated by the thousands of travelling fans.

“Hopefully he is coming to fight. He is four and four and he has had a full training camp.

“He is a hungry fighter and he wants to put food on the table, but unfortunately for him I am going to have to knock him out on Friday night.

“I have to look good doing that and it is going to be a great night.

“I am going to have Conor McGregor coming out with us. I asked him to do it in Belfast and he said it would be a honour.”

And Conlan believes that after Friday night - big things lie in store for him.

“I want to become a three weight world champion and I truly believe I will do that.

“And I will be Ireland’s ever greatest fighter and that journey starts on Friday night by beating Tim Ibarra.

“I am on a mission and believe I will get to where I want to go in the coming months and years.”