Conlan vs Gill Predictions: Mick can get KO win to get back on track

There's another big Betfred-sponsored fight taking place in Belfast on Saturday night, as Michael Conlon takes on Jordan Gill in the featherweight division. We've taken a look at the fight and given you our betting predictions.

Two men seeking redemption square off on Saturday night, as Michael Conlan (18-2-0 (9ko)) takes on Jordan Gill (27-2-1 (8ko)), with both fighter's careers possibly on the line.

For the Irish amateur star it's now back-to-back losses at world title level, losing a fight-of-the-year against WBA champion Leigh Wood in brutal style, before again being demolished by Luis Alberto Lopez for the IBF title.

After falling short twice at the highest level, it's been a complete reset for 'Mick', changing promotional stables from Top Rank to Matchroom and also switching to legendary Cuban-American trainer Pedro Diaz, who has 20 world titles to his name, including future hall-of-famers Miguel Cotto and Guillermo Rigondeaux.

The 31-year-old can't afford any further set backs and is expected to win this one comfortably, before hunting down another shot at a world strap.

Standing in his way is Englishman Jordan Gill, who is also at a crossroads in his career and for whom, a win in Belfast would shoot him straight into world title contention.

The highly-rated 29-year-old went undefeated in his first 23 fights and picked up the Commonwealth strap and some minor WBA baubles along the way.

However, disappointing losses to Mario Enrique Tinoco and a sustained beating by veteran two-weight world champion Kiko Martinez followed and you get the feeling that if 'The Thrill' loses again on Saturday night, he will have nowhere else to go in the sport.

Where and when is the fight taking place?

The fight is taking place at the SSE Arena in Belfast on Saturday 2nd December and will be broadcast live and exclusively on DAZN in the UK.

The event is an Eddie Hearn promotion for Matchroom Boxing, with the main card expected to start at 7pm and the main event ring walk due to take place at around 10pm UK&NI time.

What does the full fight card look like?

• MAIN EVENT: Michael Conlan vs Jordan Gill
• Sean McComb vs. Sam Maxwell
• Tyrone McKenna vs. Lewis Crocker
• Caoimhin Agyarko vs. Troy Williamson

(subject to change)

What are the fight odds?

Mick Conlan is a huge 1/8 favourite, with Jordan Gill a 13/2 shot. The draw is available to back at a quite short 14/1, if you fancy this scrap to be a really close one.

What's been said?

"He can be dangerous when he wants to be, he has a good skill set and good boxing ability.

Belfast is the best fighting city in the world in my opinion, it's a very prestigious night of boxing for the city, it's probably the best card we've ever had.

I think it's pointless to go in against a fighter of really weak opposition, you need to go in there with a threat in front of you.

I win by KO or stoppage"

Michael Conlan

"Life throws stuff at you, it's been an up and down year but I've turned it around, got a few things sorted outside the ring and I'm looking forward to fight.

I feel great (at 130lbs), I've never felt so good, so you are gonna see the best of me on Saturday night.

Looking back I probably should have moved up to super-feather two and a half years ago!

He's a great fighter, a world class fighter but to be the best, you have to beat the best and I want to get up to world level."

Jordan Gill

Michael Conlan to win via KO/TKO - 4/6

I used to be a big Jordan Gill fan and followed the Cambridgeshire fighter's career closely up to the top end of domestic and European level.

I even likened him to another favourite of mine in Kell Brook, as he carried a similar elusive style and great shot selection.

However, the 29-year-old doesn't appear to have the power that the Special One did and he has suffered as a result.

The beat down he took from Martinez worries me badly and Conlan has shown he can bang in the past.

Mick has a superb amateur pedigree and should be a better boxer inside the ring on the night.

Gill's face was a mess after taking Kiko's punishment and I fear the Irishman could inflict similar damage here and stop 'The Thrill' in his tracks.

Michael Conlan to win in round 8 - 12/1

For a little bit of pocket change, I'm taking Conlan to win in round eight.

Other than the recent fight against Karim Guerfi, most of Conlan's stoppages have been in the later rounds of the fight and Gill isn't going to be quitting in the early stages.

You can find all our latest Boxing Betting Tips on our Betfred Insights hub.