Michael Conlan says “sh**” talk and over-confidence will see Leigh Wood come a cropper when the two clash in a world title showdown on March 12.
Wood, making the first defence of his WBA World Featherweight title, has vowed to make it an early night for the Belfast fighter in Nottingham.
But Conlan, who is unbeaten in 16 professional fights, says the 32-year-old is in for a shock when they go toe-to-toe at the Motorpoint Arena live on DAZN.
“I don't need to talk any sh*t," he said. "I'll do my talking in the ring. 100 percent this is going to be my toughest fight but I'll win it comfortably.
“Leigh believes in his own power more than he probably should and that will be the unravelling of him. It's a chess match and I'll be the one saying checkmate at the end. In 2022 I become world champion."
Wood, who has a 25-2 record with 15 knockouts on his CV, stopped China’s Xu Can in the final round to claim the WBA belt in a huge upset at the Matchroom Fight Camp last July.
He made history by becoming only the second ever boxer from Nottingham to become a World Champion – following in the footsteps of former IBF Super-Middleweight kingpin Carl Froch.
“I visualise getting him out of there,” said Wood. “Mick is a good fighter but I will be too much for him.
“When things aren't going right I haven't got a quit in me and I'm extremely confident of getting the win and looking good doing it.
“I'm a lot bigger and a more seasoned Featherweight and I like to show a lot of grit and resilience.
“I've taken a hard route to get where I am today. I don't want to get to this level then have to climb back up again."
Conlan, who won the interim WBA Featherweight crown when he beat TJ Doheny at Falls Park last August, is odds-on favourite with most bookies.
One of Ireland's most successful ever amateurs, the 30-year-old has remained undefeated since joining the pro ranks in 2017, picking up the WBA and WBO Intercontinental Titles along the way.
Tickets for Wood vs. Conlan - priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP) - will go on general sale this Thursday (January 20).
They can be purchased via StubHub from midday on Thursday.
Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Wednesday January 19, with priority ticket info emailed directly to eligible members.
