Apart from a cabal of very, very, very dubious Rio 2016 judges, nobody doubted Michael Conlan had the boxing ability to make it in the pro game.
But professional boxing is about far more than what goes on inside the ring – it is entertainment, horse-trading, back-stabbing business and self-promotion with a few fights thrown in for good measure.
He who shouts loudest is heard and he who makes people listen makes them fork out for pay-per-views.
Michael Conlan gave us a glimpse of how outspoken he could be when he gave both barrels to those very, very, very dubious judges after his Olympic robbery and he is maintaining similar levels of loquaciousness and eloquence since signing for Bob Arum’s Top Rank this week.
ICYMI: Michael Conlan has officially become a professional boxer https://t.co/Qtqqx3pRbD
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) September 20, 2016
Speaking on 2FM’s ‘Game On’, Conlan expanded on just how in demand his signature was once he made the decision to go pro. All the major promoters were wooing him, with one notable exception.
“All the top promoters were at my door,” he said. “Frank Warren, Richard Schaefer and Al Haymon, Golden Boy and then Lou DiBella.
“There was a lot in America, it was America mostly,” he added.
“Eddie Hearn didn’t come round, but he only likes to wait on fighters to come to him so he has the upper hand. I’m not one of them guys who go and like to lick arse.”
Conlan is confident he is “with the best stable in boxing in Top Rank” and he is looking forward to making his debut at Madison Square Garden on St Patrick’s weekend next year.
As for Hearn, he will have to wait to expand a Matchroom stable that already includes the likes of Scott Quigg, Anthony Joshua, Kell Brook and James DeGale.
We review a crazy All-Ireland final and chat to Lee Keegan about his special relationship with Diarmuid Connolly. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes.
