Michael Conlan says he "couldn't give a f***" what people say about him on social media - even if it's positive feedback.
The 30-year-old wears his heart on his sleeve, his verbal jabs often as direct as his combinations inside the ring.
Conlan returns to action on Saturday night against Miguel Marriaga, his comeback fight after suffering a devastating knockout defeat to Leigh Wood five months ago.
Read more: Belfast boxer hits out after fight on Michael Conlan undercard is cancelled
That defeat saw the Falls Road boxer subjected to plenty of vitriol and online abuse, with Conlan himself accepting some people would have revelled in his Nottingham nightmare.
Not that he cares.
Asked whether going on to win a world title would be a two-fingered salute to his critics, Conlan said: "In a sense. But I don't give a f*** what people think anymore.
"I used to get caught up on what people said or thought, but what's the point? It doesn't change how I think every day.
"I don't try to prove anyone wrong. It's more a case of me wanting to prove myself right, and that I am this same guy.
"I am still the Michael Conlan I believe the way I am, and I need to beat a guy like Miguel Marriaga to get close to a world title."
Conlan added: "You can't give a f*** if people say bad things. I don't give a f*** when people say good things.
"That sounds bad for people giving you praise and that, but I can't care. If I care about the good I will care about the bad."
Conlan joked that he is a phone addict - but mostly because he's always playing games on his mobile.
"I don't spend too much time on social media. I have a phone addiction, but I am usually playing games on it," he smiled.
"Listen, it's great for certain things. I am not saying social media isn't all bad, there are good things. But it is not very good in terms of your mindset.
"It isn't good to have."
READ NEXT:
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- McCrory happy to follow in footsteps of Fury, Frampton, Burnett and Conlan
- Ryan Burnett in praise for Michael Conlan ahead of comeback fight
- Michael Conlan opens up on brutal weight cut and two-stone gain since Leigh Wood defeat
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