MICHAEL Conlan could face IBF number six-ranked former European champion Sofiane Takoucht after Vladimir Nikitin pulled out of their August 3 rumble at Belfast’s Feile an Phobail with a torn bicep.
“Nikitin is definitely out,” confirmed MTK’s Jamie Conlan, who predicts that the Russian’s replacement will give his younger brother an even tougher fight.
“I’ve got two or three different options now and the number six in the world is one of them, he has agreed to it. We’re speaking to the European champion Andoni Gago (23-3-3) also and we are waiting on one or two other options so we should be able to announce something at the start of next week.”
Conlan added: “Every fight that we’re looking to do is better than Nikitin, harder than Nikitin. It’ll be a tougher night’s work for Michael and I think it’ll be a more beneficial fight for his career.”
Anthony Cacace’s British super-featherweight title scrap with Sam Bowen is also off after Bowen contracted sciatica but the co-main event at Falls Park will feature Luke Keeler.
