Michael Conlan turns professional just hours after Paddy Barnes

Sparking controversy around the globe for remarks he made after losing his Olympic quarter-final bout to Russian Vladimir Nikitin in a fight where he plainly dominated the ring, Conlan vowed to never fight for the AIBA again, and it seems as if he's keeping to that promise. Although nothing has been confirmed yet for his first professional fight, Conlan hopes to be in the ring shortly after the New Year.

Rio 2016 proved to be a disastrous Olympic Games for Irish boxing and accusations of corruption have dogged the AIBA since August, putting the sport in Ireland into a state of disarray. Former Ireland coach Billy Walsh had strong words for those suspected of corruption, saying on RTE Radio 1 Drivetime: “I’m probably a bit naive on this as I’d rather think that there isn’t [corruption]. I’d rather think that it was just poor judging. But if that’s the case, those guys should end up in jail. And no better place than to put them in jail than in Brazil. You don’t get out of there too easy.” For the many that would credit Billy Walsh as having helmed the Irish boxing team to great success in previous years, his loss has led to a kind of breakdown in the sport.

Fellow Belfast boxer Paddy Barnes will also join Conlan in turning professional. The three-time Olympian yesterday confirmed that he has signed a management contract with Matthew Macklin’s Gym Marbella (MGM) ahead of his move into the pro ranks. Barnes looks likely to have his first pro fight in November and the Ardoyne man has stated that he wants to fast-track his way through the paid game by booking a world-title shot sooner rather than later.