Greg Leon: How's everything going in training camp for your August 3rd bout against Diego Alberto Ruiz? Mick Conlan:"This is the best camp I've had so far as a professional without a doubt. I've basically stayed in camp and in shape my last fight on March 16th, so I'm ready." GL: Has the opponent change from Vladimir Nikitin (listed at 3-0 but with an extensive amatuer background) to Ruiz (21-2), who is a much better fighter, impacted your training routine at all? MC: "It hasn't impacted my preparation at all. I was already training very hard physocally and mentally. When the opponent changed I contunued with that same mindset and preparation for Ruiz."

 

GL: What are your thoughts of Ruiz as a fighter?

 

MC: "I only watch a little bit of him and he's a good fighter with good aggression. My team has watched him strenously and we'll be prepared for everything he brings on August 3rd."

 

GL: Do these minor titles you're fighting for mean anything to you?

 

MC: "They don't mean an awful lot but it's nice to pick up some silverware on the way to legitimate world titles."

 

GL: Is it more about what these kind of belts do for you ratings wise than the actual belts themselves? 

 

MC: "Yes, that's what's probably best about the belts along the way. They get you good ratings in the sanctioning bodies which helps to create the path for championship opportunities."

 

GL: Do you feel any extra pressure to impress when you're fighting in Belfast?

 

MC: "No. For me I'm just very grateful to my team MTK and Top Rank for making the opportunity available for me to put on a show for my amazing fanbase who travel the world spending their hard earned money to watch me fight."

 

GL: Other than victory do you have a prediction?

 

MC: "It won't go the distance."

 

GL: What do you want a win in this fight to lead to?

 

MC: "Another big fight and hopefully by the end of the year or early next year a world championship fight."

 

GL: How do you feel you compare to other Top Rank young guns like Shakur Stevenson and Teofimo Lopez? Does it bother you that they seem closer to major world title shots than you do at this point? 

 

MC: "Each one of us is on our own path and each path is different. If either of those guys fight for a title before me great, I'll be happy for them, but I know I'll be fighting for a title soon so what the others doe doesn't bother me or effect my career at all."

 

GL: Always a pleasure Mick, closing thoughts for the fans.

 

MC: "As always thank you to my fans across the globe for your support. The next twelve months are going to be big for us. Tune into ESPN+ on August 3rd as the Conlan Revolution rolls into Belfast!"