John Conlan supports Mick’s pro move

Mick Conlan leaves the amateur game for pastures new with Top Rank Promotions in America.

The Belfast star departs with a bucketful of medals, including Olympic bronze and World, European, and Commonwealth gold – making himself the only Irishman to ever medal at all four tournaments.

While 24 year old Mick is leaving the cosy confines of the South Circular Road, his father John looks set to remain. The Dublin coach will stay on as head of the Ulster High Performance Unit and is highly likely to be part of the Irish team going forward.

There are no regrets or surprises however for the Drimnagh man. Indeed Conlan Senior, like most, was expecting the move, and he explained to BBC Northern Ireland that “I’m really happy for him.”

“The plan always for Michael was that after this Olympic Games [he would go pro].”

“Really, to achieve an Olympic gold medal, it is two cycles is what we’re looking at, and this was Michael’s second cycle, and unfortunately it didn’t work out for him so he’s gone into the pro game.”

“It’s something that Michael always aspired to do at the end of his amateur career.”