Tension tangible at ‘Second Coming’ Press Conference: Best Bits
Despite Jamie Conlan returning to the National Stadium following his exhilarating war last time out, it was the fighters on the undercard who stole the show at the ‘Second Coming’ press conference this afternoon.
Peter McDonagh (37), who will clash with Dean Byrne (31), was particularly angered with his opponent, who didn’t attend. 
Galway man McDonagh said: “I’ve kept my mouth shut the whole way through this camp. He’s (Byrne) done all the talking but in a disrespectful way.”
The two-time Irish champion was responding to claims previously made by Byrne who said McDonagh wasn’t in fact Irish, having spent a lot of his life in England.
But McDonagh responded resiliently by stating that Bryne is “not that educated, come Saturday night we will see who the real Irish man is”.
In terms of the prospect of winning another Irish title (welterweight), McDonagh added: “A third Irish title would be very special. This is where I’m from. There all important but Saturday night will be the most memorable one.”
There was no love lost between Cruiserweights Ian Tims (35) and Michael Sweeney (32) either.
The pair previously fought in 2011 with Dubliner Tims getting the win over Sweeney.
When Tims was speaking about fighting in the National Stadium he mentioned that he had “some good nights” there to which Sweeney retorted “it’s your last now”.
Having not boxed since 2013, Sweeney said it would mean a lot to avenge a defeat and gain the Celtic title on the same night of his comeback.
The two were due to fight this time last year before Sweeney became injured. During that build up they had to be separated when doing a face off.
At the weigh in tomorrow there may be a similar outcome with the mutual dislike between them palpable.
Unbeaten heavyweight Sean ‘Big Sexy’ Turner (24) produced some great one-liners ahead of his seventh pro bout.
Asked about how he looked in the best shape of his career, he replied by saying the reason for it was because “there’s no chipper or kebab shop” in Spain where the MGM heavy hitter trains.
Looking to the future he mentioned he would like to fight Martin Rogan (44). That’s if “he hasn’t died of old age by then”, added Turner.
“Martin Rogan is finished after I get my hands on him” warned the frank speaking Dubliner.
Lightweight Jamie Kavanagh (25) will have his first fight in Ireland as a pro after being based in LA throughout his career.
“It’s great to have my homecoming in the Stadium. The last time I fought here was seven or eight years ago. Everyone is excited to see me live.
“In my last fight I was patient and wasn’t rushing in as much. We’ve twigged a few things in this camp and in front of my hometown crowd I’m looking to impress,” said Kavanagh.
He will face fiery Hungarian Ozkar Fiko on Saturday night.
English super-middleweight Jamie Cox (29), will defend his WBO European title on the bill.
He had a message for any of the other super-middleweights in Britain.
“If they want it, come and get it. I think I’m the best and if Callum Smith or Rocky Fielding wanna fight, let’s get it on.”
The star man Jamie Conlan (29) will look to regain his WBO Intercontinental super-flyweight belt against Argentinian Adrien Dimas Garzon (39) on the night.
“The fights only an eight rounder but it’s important because if I lose I have to go back to the start,” said the unbeaten Belfast fighter.
He also acknowledged the “special” Irish crowd and referred to the National Stadium as a “cauldron”.
Inevitably Conlan was questioned about the possibility of fighting his English rival Paul Butler soon. Both guys are chasing a world title in the 115 pound division.
“It’s a fight I feel I can win with Butler. It’s going to be explosive,” added Conlan.
You can watch the stacked Dublin card exclusively live on BoxNation on Saturday. If the atmosphere between the combatants from the press conference is to transfer to the ring, it will be an exciting night of boxing.
Second Coming schedule can be found on the Box Nation website.
