Michael Conlan Already Eyes Future Carl Frampton Clash

Belfast boxer Michael Conlan is already aiming high after turning professional, setting his sights on two-weight world champion Carl Frampton.

Conlan signed the most lucrative contract in Irish boxing history when he joined promoters Top Rank Boxing and will now make his debut in the famous Madison Square Gardens – on St Patrick’s Day, no less.

Top Rank also have Manny Pacquiao on their books and had offered Conlan the chance to showcase his first professional bout on his undercard at the start of November.

While the Belfast super-bantamweight boxer was tempted, he felt it was just too soon.

“I was dying to fight on it, but it is too soon,” he told UTV.

But Conlan added that the prospect of fighting in New York City amid St Patrick’s Day celebrations was unbelievable, especially for his first ever professional bout.

And another Belfast man could well be on the undercard – the inimitable Paddy Barnes.

“He’s a sell in himself. And being called Paddy and being small and having ginger hair, it all sells,” Conlan grinned.

Belfast’s boxers have really been putting their home city on the map, with Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton leading the way and inspired others.

Conlan said he would love to have his success – and even surpass it.

“I just believe in my ability and believe, when I’m in there, I’ll always find a way to win. Whether it’s against Carl, whether it’s someone else, I’ll find a way to win,” he said.

“But Carl is a great champion – he’s probably Ireland’s greatest fighter ever at the minute. I would like to surpass that, but I have big respect for Carl.

“He’s an unbelievable talent and I think he’ll go on and do a lot more in boxing still.”

And Frampton doesn’t doubt that Conlan will achieve big things in his career.

But while the Jackal doesn't doubt Conlan's talent, he may have to hold off in his hope for a fight between them.

“Talking about a fight between me and him at this stage of our careers – me a two-weight world champion, Mick just starting in the pro game – it’s a wee bit off yet," Frampton told UTV.

“But one day, who knows?”