Jamie Conlan urges fans not to miss unique ‘I was there’ moment
Jamie Conlan has urged Irish fight fans to be there for the ‘birth of two professional careers that are destined for the very top’ come October 11.
Two exciting teen prospects Pierce O’Leary and Paddy Donovan will debut on the latest installment of the #MTKFightNight series – and the recent world title challenger feels it could prove an ‘I was there’ moment.
The card isn’t lacking in terms of intriguing fights – the bill topper between Paddy Barnes and European champion Jay Harrins looks particularly mouthwatering – but Conlan believes there could something special about joining two talented prospects, as they take their first steps into the pro ranks.
“This is a fantastic opportunity not just for Paddy and for Pierce but for every fan who’s lucky enough to be in the building that night and all those who’ll tune in around the world,” the enthusiastic MTK Global Professional Development Coordinator said.
“We’re delighted to be hosting Paddy’s debut in association with our friends at Top Rank, who have already shown great commitment to Irish boxing in the past by signing some guy called Michael Conlan!”
“Paddy obviously showed all of his class as an amateur and everyone – including his mentor Andy Lee, who knows a thing or two – is fully confident his undoubted talent will translate to the professional game.
“Pierce is the kind of fighter Dublin can really get behind. He’s exciting to watch. Throughout his amateur career; even when he was picking up all these titles and completely dominating, people were saying his style will be more suited to the pro game.
“All in all, it’s fantastic to have the future of Irish boxing on what was already a big card. It adds another element to the entertainment and I know Paddy and Pierce are both thrilled to be making their debuts on such a stage.
“My advice to fans is to not miss out on seeing the birth of two professional careers that are destined for the very top of this sport.”
The pair boast a staggering 22 national titles between them and turn over with a degree of hype.
‘Big Bang’ O’Leary recently turned pro at just 19 years of age and is eager to make his mark having foregone the chance to compete at Elite amateur level.
Limerick’s Donovan, meanwhile, scooped a World silver medal at the Juniors and was an Olympic hopeful before opting to join the paid ranks under the guidance of former world champion Andy Lee.
Also confirmed for a stellar night of boxing at the iconic Belfast venue is Sean McComb vs. Emiliano Dominguez Rodriguez, Marco McCullough’s IBF European super-featherweight title defence against Viorel Simion, a debut for Ruairi Dalton and more.
