Pro move “always the plan” for Aussie-based Conor Wallace

Conor Wallace makes his professional debut this Saturday morning Down Under.

The Newry light heavyweight has turned over in Australia and makes a new startin Newstead versus Aaron Sesay [1(1)-4(2)] this weekend.

The Irish U22 and Ulster Senior champion moves to the pros at the relatively young age of 22 and less than two years before the Tokyo Olympics but it was always the plan.

Wallace explained to Irish-Boxing.com that “my goal from a young age was always to go pro but last year I made the decision that I would go pro within the next 12 months.”

“It was always the plan, with Joe Ward being named as Irish team captain the 81kg spot is taking and I’m not big enough for 91kg so I had no desire to stay amateur.”

Following a quiet few years in terms of Irish fighters turning pro in Australia, Wallace has elected to begin his career Down Under and it’s a decision which makes sense for him.

Australia has proven a fertile ground for Irish fighters with well-established routes.to the top. Just recently, Syney-based TJ Doheny won a world title while another Sydney-living fighter in Darragh Foley and Brisbane-based Dennis Hogan are highly ranked.

Detailing his new set-up, Wallace explained how “I will be based in the famous Fortitude Boxing Gym in Brisbane under the tutelage of Steve Dellar and Greg Eadie also working with me is Simon Orton strength conditioning coach.”

“Eureka Promotions has had a big connection with Irish Fighters over the years with the likes of World Champion TJ Doheny and Dennis Hogan.”

“I was in contact with them last year before I qualified for the Commonwealth Games. Patrick Hyland also told me about Steve Deller and the Fortitude Stable.”

“I was in Australia in April and I done some work in the Fortitude Gym. I knew this is were I wanted to be, the people, the gym, the weather, the lifestyle and environment I knew this was the place for me.

Wallace doesn’t buy into the usual ‘pro-styled’ or ‘amateur-styled’ talk and notes how “I believe if you do the simple things right in boxing whether it be amateur or professional it is often hard to beat.”

“I’ve been well schooled from a young age so I don’t think I will have any problems adapting to the professional game.”

“I have been working on sitting down more with the punches in sparring and the power is definitely there.”

The Ulsterman hopes to move fast in the pros and, having seen an initial debut date earlier this month cancelled at late notice, he already has two fights lined up.

With the Australian scene offering State titles, National titles, and a wealth of rankings belts from the four major organisations (and more), Wallace is keen to start decorating his waist with belts in the near future.

He outlined how “short term, I want to get a few good wins built up and keep improving as a professional and become Australian Champion within the next year or 16 months.”

“But my ultimate goal is to become a World Champion.”

Photo Credit: WMC Photography