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Gareth Fullerton

Michael Conlan outlines world title plans after Karim Guerfi demolition job

Michael Conlan has set his sights on becoming a world champion in 2023 - and he would love to realise his dream in Belfast on St Patrick's Day.

Conlan edged closer to another shot at glory with a devastating first-round stoppage of Karim Guerfi on Saturday night.

The 31-year-old rocked his French opponent with a stinging left hand midway through the round, and a barrage of punches then folded Guerfi on the ropes.

Read more: Michael Conlan vs Karim Guerfi as it happened at the SSE Arena

Guerfi rose to his feet but was soon stumbling across the ring, prompting referee Steve Gray to call a halt to proceedings.

Conlan Boxing's Jamie Conlan confirmed afterwards that they have already booked the SSE Arena and Madison Square Garden for St Patrick's Day, which falls on a Friday next year.

As for an opponent, that remains unclear, but a fight with Luis Alberto Lopez could happen after the Mexican's stunning IBF world title win against Josh Warrington on Saturday night.

"Hopefully next is a world title fight. Nothing is guaranteed, I know that. And boxing is a funny old game how things chop and change," Conlan said.

"Lopez is an easier fight to make for Top Rank. I don't believe I would fight Warrington because he is Matchroom and they might want him to fight other people.

"It is a funny division, but we will see what happens."

Conlan added: "Top Rank have said they would like to hold the fight in Belfast.

"Isaac Dogboe could also be the fight, and it would be fantastic if it is.

"If March isn't a world title fight, it still has to be a big fight. It has to be a fight that warrants a world title. It will be St Patrick's Day so I need a huge fight no matter what."

Conlan says he doesn't care what statement he sent out with Saturday's demolition job on Guerfi.

He admits he was just glad to get the job done early against the five-time European champion.

"I don't know what statement this sends out. I just hope I fight for a world title, that's all it is," he said.

"I don't care what people think. I just want to win and fight for a world title as soon as possible.

"I was happy to win in that fashion to show people. If I went nine or 10 rounds with Karim Guerfi, people might ask if I am worth a world title shot.

"People might now say I am worthy, and let's see how I get on with a better opponent. This was a fight to keep me active.

"We tried two opponents, and Karim Guerfi was our next option. Jamie asked me if I fancied it and I said no problem. I said I would stop him and knock him out.

"Karim can punch, and he was involved in one of the fights of the year (against Jordan Gill). He was trying to land the left hook which he is good at. He landed it once but I didn't feel it.

"He is a good fighter, and I said that before. He is a five-time European champion, and he is a nice guy.

"I was glad to get him out of there."

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