“I sacrificed so much for this” – Conor Wallace wants Commonwealth gold

Conor Wallace is adamant it will take a special performance to prevent him from draping Commonwealth gold around his neck this April.

The Newry fighter is unbeaten since moving up to light heavyweight and is full of confidence after being being picked to represent Northern Ireland in the multi-sport games on the Gold Coast.

The Holy Family Drogheda youngster believes he will have the beating of all his Commonwealth rivals and is predicting he will bring gold home from Australia.

“I want that gold medal I’m not just going to make up the numbers. I sacrificed so much for this, it’s going to take something very special to beat me,” Wallace told Irish-Boxing.com.

“I know most of the lads in it, but my biggest threat is myself, If the right Conor Wallace turns up on the day there’s not one of them will beat me and that’s a fact.”

Australia represents Wallace’s first Commonwealth Games and while he is excited about the prospect of fighting in a major tournament, the 21 year old is adamant he isn’t travelling to the Gold Coast for a party.

“I am over the moon to be going and delighted my hard work has paid off. I’m not going for a holiday, I’m only going for one thing and that’s the gold medal,” he added before reflecting on his selection.

“I knew the Ulster Elite title would play a massive part, and I met all the other criteria. I performed throughout the year and have been unbeaten since I moved up to light heavyweight.”

The Commonwealths is a good platform for all 13 fighters to prove their big tournament ability and mentality. Not quite an Olympic audition, but definitely a chance to impress those within the High Performance in Dublin

That won’t be lost on Conor McGregor’s former sparring partner, but he is in a tough weight with the likes of Joe Ward and Tony Browne.

Indeed, with Ward earmarked as Irish captain for Toyko 2020, Wallace has previously hinted at a pro move and the fighter continues to keep his options open.

“It could be, but I will take it as it comes who knows what could happen after the Gold Coast.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)