What better way to round out Paddy’s Day than by staying up to watch two of the country’s most talented boxers compete on the professional circuit?
The date and venue for Michael Conlan’s pro debut was confirmed this week, with the announcement coming from American promoter Bob Arum that the London 2012 flyweight bronze medallist would headline a fight card on St. Patrick’s Day at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
And joining Conlan will be fellow Belfast fighter Paddy Barnes who, like his stablemate, made the decision to abandon amateur boxing after the Rio Games.
Barnes took to Twitter on Wednesday to thank Top Rank for finding a place for him on the bill.
Thanks @trboxing for confirming myself on @mickconlan11 bill on St Patrick's day! 🍀🍀 👍 pic.twitter.com/RzmkNlTePH
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) October 19, 2016
The March 17 bout will not be Barnes’ pro debut as he is set to take to the ring for the first time as a professional in Belfast’s Titanic Exhibition Centre next month on the undercard of Jamie Conlan’s Commonwealth title fight.
Barnes could not add to his light flyweight bronzes from 2008 and 2012 as he suffered a shock early elimination in Rio but, at 29, he has plenty of time and potential to cause some waves on the professional scene.
Opponents have yet to be confirmed for both Barnes and Conlan but it’s worth circling March 17 in your diaries right now because fireworks are to be expected when they lace their gloves under the bright lights of one of the most iconic venues in the world.
Their post-fight interviews should also be worth sticking around for.
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