Amateur Star Michael Conlan Turns Professional, Inks Deal With Top Rank

Belfast boxer Michael Conlan has entered the professional ranks and has signed a deal with Top Rank.

The American-based promotion, headed by Bob Arum, boasts a star studded roster including boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and reigning world champion Terrence Crawford, among others.

His decision to turn pro comes following a decorated amateur background winning the coveted world amateur championships in 2015, and a gold in both the Commonwealth then European championships. Not to mention a bronze medal in the London Olympics.

The bantamweight prospect has turned his back on the amateur scene following his controversial upset loss to Russian Vladimir Nikitin at the Rio Olympics prompting an angry outburst.

Conlan proceeded to aim his frustration at AIBA as well as the judges by giving them the middle fingers, not to mention a memorable profanity-laced post-fight interview.

The 24-year-old was clearly robbed of the opportunity to fulfill his top seed ranking but will now set his sights on a world title.

Topics: olympics, Boxing

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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