Michael Conlan planning special homecoming fight

The featherweight, who is fighting Italian Nicola Cipolletta in Las Vegas on Saturday, has it is 'very likely' the bout will happen.

"We're pushing for a big fight next year, hopefully in the Féile, it's what we're asking for and it seems very likely, which is great," he said.

"Even thinking about it now it is kind of hard to comprehend, it would be unbelievable.

"The hairs stand up on the back of my next just thinking about it. Doing the Féile next year would be a dream come true.

"The best place to fight is at home, the fans are different here compared to anywhere else in the world. They come out to support and get behind every fighter from the city."

It will be the former Olympic medallist's ninth professional bout when he steps into the ring to face Cipolletta.

Conlan fought in Belfast for the first time as a professional in June, defeating Adeilson dos Santos at the SSE Arena.