Boxingtalk.com attended a Sports Network press conference at the chic Arora Hotel in downtown Manchester, England, held for Michael Gomez's WBU Super Feather title defense scheduled for this Friday at the MEN Arena. The Dublin born Manchester based Gomez took the opportunity to express to leading members of the British press just how crucial this bout against hard nosed Russian puncher Leva Kirakosyan is to his burgeoning career, as he looks to continue his climb up the major world rankings.

One of the most popular fighters in the county, Gomez outlined his plan to use this matchup as an opportunity to display his new found boxing prowess, as he primarily had been noted in the past for engaging in thrilling toe to toe slugfests. Gomez's trainer Billy Graham was on hand and spoke about his desire to see Michael continue the career momentum gained by defeating the "Golden Boy" of British boxing, Edinburgh's Alex Arthur. Graham reiterated his recent statements as to Gomez being a world class super featherweight and said he hoped Sports Network promoter Frank Warren could bring about a world title shot for the twenty six year old pressure fighter in the near future. Gomez - Kirakosyan will be the chief support bout to Ricky Hatton's IBF Light Welter title eliminator against American Mike Stewart.