Confirmed by Fightnews. I'm one of the people who thought Nikitin beat Conlan in the Olympics. He landed the cleaner shots and I had him winning 2 of the 3 rounds. Conlan has more pro experience, but he still have the same habits. It's going to be a 10 round fight and we don't know how good Nikitin's stamina is. I think it's a pick 'em.
I just watched the Conlan-Nikitin bout from the Olympics again to remind myself of the fight. There are always a few controversial decisions with AIBA boxing in every Olympics. It was a close one on reflection, I think, but personally thought Mr Conlan had the win after three rounds and even finished the stronger imo. I expect him to beat Nikitin officially next time.
Conlan, maybe with a little help from the judges. If he does not win, they will make him win, because they want this revenge story.
In the immediate aftermath of Rio I wudda been excited but not now. Conlon is no great shakes, but at least he has continued to improve as a pro. Nikitin has plateaued or in fact if anything even regressed since Rio! I don't think it will be a good fight at all. If conlon loses its all over for him. So no, I'm not particularly excited about this fight now. I can't see conlon losing, unless Conlon fights a really brainless fight .. a phone booth war of attrition .and..nikitin wears him down physically. Pretty meaningless points win for Conlon seems likely. But if he does lose, to the haplessly talentless nikitin, he's finished at high level.
Bowen Caecae looks like it’s being added to the undercard. Pretty much confirms it will be on BT Sport in the UK, that was obvious anyway Co-promotion with Frank Warren and QP?