Putting Barrow on the map and putting Joshua Buatsi to the proverbial sword.
That is the dream scenario for Liam Conroy who faces the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist for the vacant British light-heavyweight title on Saturday, March 23 in London.
Buatsi is the favourite, having started professional life with nine straight wins, his most recent three opponents being done and dusted in the first round.
But the 26-year-old Cumbrian, who works by day at BAE Systems in his home-town and trains in Preston at night, hopes to upset the odds.
“Being an underdog makes it much sweeter when I win,” said Conroy.
“I feel like I’m ‘The Upsetter’ because I feel people always doubt me.
“This is what me and my team do. Myself and my trainer Johnney Roye come down, travel wherever, upset some people and then we go.”
Barrow-in-Furness is a tough place with tough people.
Before anyone complains that this writer is grasping at cliches, I’m not, I know Barrow with countless family from there.
Conroy can fight, as he has proven with his rise up the ranks, from Northern Area champ to English belt holder, all his wins at title level coming via stoppage.
“We’re a proud bunch of people [from Barrow],” he said.
“Everyone thinks of us as being out in the middle of nowhere and there not much being there so I’m glad to be putting Barrow on the map in some way.
“I want to make Barrow proud and stay up there in those big fights as a British champion.
“I want to put a British title in my son’s bedroom. This has been my goal since day one.”
Conroy, who was speaking to MTK Global, says he has plenty of respect for Buatsi but says the South-West Londoner has yet to face a man like him before.
“I believe I can overpower him,” said Liam. “I don’t believe he’s been in a situation as a professional in which someone can overpower him.
“I also don’t think he’s been in with anyone who can take what he’s got to give, which I will be able to. He’ll be in for a shock on March 23.
“There’s plenty of hype around him but he deserves it because he trains hard and has already proved himself at the Olympics.
“I haven’t got the name he’s got but I’m looking to change that come fight night.
“I’m going to give it everything that I can and keep on going relentlessly till the final bell. I won’t stop until I have that belt.”
Buatsi-Conroy is part of a huge night at the Matchroom-promoted event at the Copper Box Arena.
Charlie Edwards make the first defence of his WBC flyweight World title against Spain’s Angel Moreno.
London Cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho collide with the British and Cruiserweight titles on the line.
Lewis Ritson makes his eagerly-anticipated return to the ring after suffering a first career loss to Francesco Patera last October.
Watford Bantamweight talent Shannon Courtenay makes her highly-anticipated professional debut.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
