Michael Conlan tells Fightstore Media ‘My main goal is to headline Croke Park’

Michael Conlan tells Fightstore Media: ‘My main goal is to headline Croke Park’

The morning after Jamie Conlan dominantly defended his WBO intercontinental title, his brother Michael sat down to talk to Fightstore Media from his hotel.

 

The soon to be 24-year old oozes confidence. And why wouldn’t he when he’s the number one ranked bantamweight in the world following his gold medal triumph at the world championships last month.

 

After being a pundit for the first time at ringside for his brother’s fight, Conlan told us how it went and how he believes Jamie performed.

“I really enjoyed doing it. It was my first time with BoxNation. It was a great experience and I would love to do it again,” Conlan said.

“I’d give it (Jamie’s display) 10 out of 10. He didn’t over do anything or under do anything and he went in there with an injury. To finish the fight how he did was brilliant.”

 

Growing up, Michael Conlan’s favourite boxers were Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Erik Morales and more recently Manny Pacquiao.

To get to the level of those guys Conlan is having to work tremendously hard.

“I’ve sacrificed my whole life to boxing. Its been seventeen years and its been tough. I’ve given my everything to it and it has all paid off in the end,” added Conlan.

 

He wasn’t the only world champion at the National Stadium last night either as the Notorious Conor McGregor made an appearance.

We asked Conlan about the UFC and if he would hypothetically ever compete in an octagon.

“I think it’s (UFC) brilliant and a growing sport. Conor McGregor is making it a huge thing in Ireland and it’s great to see.

“Whether or not I’d like to fight in it, well I don’t like being in a headlock so maybe not,” laughed Conlan.

 

The Commonwealth, European and World champion also passed on advice to any young boxer.

He said: “No matter what happens never give up. If you lose just keep going because it doesn’t mean anything to lose.

“Paddy Barnes lost his first 12 fights and look where he is now. There’s people undefeated like Floyd Mayweather and it’s all false.”

 

And speaking of Mayweather, now the ‘Money Man’ has retired Conlan believes the new pound for pound king is either Roman Gonzalas or Gennady Golovkin.

 

Conlan has previously stated that after he wins gold at the Rio Olympics he will be switching to the professional game.

How will the transition be for Conlan from being Irelands greatest ever male amateur to a pro just starting out?

“I have a style that’s adaptable to anything. I think it will be very easy for me to change over.”

He continued: “I plan on being Irelands greatest ever athlete never mind boxer. Its 100% achievable for me and I will do it.”

Michael Conlan on Facebook.

Michael Conlan on Twitter.

Michael Conlan tells Fightstore Media ‘My main goal is to headline Croke Park’
Michael Conlan with a set of 16oz white Cleto Reyes Velcro sparring gloves

Leave a Reply