Jamie Conlan believes his mental strength will be his biggest asset once he tangles with world junior-bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas in Belfast over the weekend.
Conlan, who has long waited for an opportunity to challenge for a world title, stakes his unbeaten record against the crafty Panabo city-raised belt holder at SSE Arena on Sunday (Manila time).
“It’s going to be a chess match before I turn it in my favor,” Conlan said in in a report posted on BBC Sport.
It will be Ancajas? third title defense this year since taking the crown away from Puerto Rico?s McJoe Arroyo in September 2016.
Conlan acknowledged that he can?t afford to make mistakes.
“He’s very technical, everything is professional down to a tee and he doesn’t throw crazy punches,” said Conlan, who has been nicknamed the ?Irish Gatti? for his hard-nosed brawling style that resembles Arturo Gatti.
“It will be the type of fight I have to stay on my game plan and if I make mistakes I’ve made previously I could be exposed.?
Conlan suggested that putting Ancajas in uneasy situations inside the ring could prove crucial to his chances of winning.
“If we go down the road I’ve been down many times then it’s going to be a dark alley for him ? I’m comfortable being uncomfortable, he’s not,” he claimed.
