2015 World Champion and London 2012 bronze medallist Michael Conlan has confirmed his professional status by joining Bob Arum's Top Rank Promotions.
Arum's stable is one of the biggest in boxing. The Las Vegas-based promoter works with stars of the calibre of Manny Pacquiao, Timothy Bradley and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
It's done! #TopRank #TRBoxing pic.twitter.com/r3SDD2f384
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) September 19, 2016
Conlan is expected to fight primarily in America in his opening bouts, following a similar path to former amateur star Jason Quigley. Top Rank expect the Belfast native to fight on the east coast of America in cities like New York and Boston as he begins his career.
The news of Conlan's deal came hours after Paddy Barnes joined with Matthew Macklin's MGM Marbella. Macklin will also work with Top Rank as Conlan's career begins.
Conlan's debut is currently pencilled in for March with Top Rank president Todd duBoef telling ESPN that the 24-year-old will fight for the first time as a professional in Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick's weekend.
The Belfast star is scheduled to fight six times in 2016. One of those bouts is expected to take place in Ireland.
"I think it's every Irish fighter's dream to fight on that weekend in New York," Conlan admitted. "It's going to be big. I'll take the opportunity with both hands."
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