By Francisco Salazar
Michael Conlan has made all the right moves thus far in his pro career.
Less than nine months after making his debut, Conlan has shown flashes of brilliance, an improved skill-set, and predictions from media and boxing fans of how far his ceiling would be.
The best part is Conlan wants to face the best competition possible, something that will challenge him in his quest to one day fight for a world title belt.
Conlan faces Luis Fernando Molina Saturday night inside The Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The six round bout will open the 'Top Rank Boxing on ESPN' telecast (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT).
The 26-year-old Conlan (4-0, 4 knockouts) stopped Kenny Guzman in his last bout on Sept. 22 in Tucson, Arizona.
Molina (7-3-1, 2 KOs), who hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina, has won his last two bouts.
Since signing with Top Rank, all of Conlan's fights have been broadcast live. His last three fights have, including Saturday night, will have been broadcast on ESPN.
Conlan, who trains in the Los Angeles area, has improved his skill-set, thanks primarily to trainer Manuel 'Manny' Robles and sparring with the likes of world titleholders Oscar Valdez and Jessie Magdaleno.
Conlan has made it be known that he wants to fight the best competition possible, but Top Rank, which has had the reputation of being the best at developing prospects, has to remain conscience of how much of a test to give Conlan with each outing.
That is all good with Conlan.
"I've been working my pace during a fight - when to attack, that kind of stuff," said Conlan, who is managed by former middleweight contender Matthew Macklin. "I am happy were I am at. Top Rank is moving me the right way."
On Saturday, Conlan returns to the same venue where he made his pro debut on Mar. 17, when he stopped Tim Ibarra before a sold-out crowd.
Just like he did in the Ibarra fight, Conlan wants to make a statement Saturday night.
"It is great to be back in New York and at Madison Square Garden, where I had my first fight. This city has so much energy and it's where I want to be."
“I have a lot riding on this in the sense that next year is going to be a massive year for me. Loma and Rigo are two great fighters and a lot of people will be watching, but I’m out to make a name for myself in the States and I need to win in style to make people sit up and take notice.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper, RingTV.com, and FightNights.com. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing
