By Francisco Salazar

It seems so long ago the last time Michael Conlan was inside a boxing ring. He had just been screwed out a decision victory and the possibility of winning Olympic gold.

Winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games this past summer would have been great for Michael Conlan, but the politics that is amateur boxing cheated Conlan out of that dream.


 
Rather than dwell on that, Conlan takes the approach of looking at a glass half-full. Signing with one of the top promoters in boxing and making his pro debut at ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena’ is just the beginning.
 
Conlan will make his pro debut against Tim Ibarra Friday night inside The Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The six round junior featherweight bout will be part of a ‘Solo Boxeo’ broadcast that will air on UniMas (11 p.m. ET/ PT).

The 25-year-old Conlan has had boxing fans gravitate towards him due to his confident, yet humble demeanor. There is an aura and curiosity about Conlan that has fans debating how high his ceiling could be, more so just days before his pro debut.

With many who are flying in from Ireland to watch him make his pro debut Friday night, Conlan may have the weight of a country on his shoulders as he steps inside the ring.

“I’m very grateful with the opportunity I have (Friday night),” Conlan told Boxingscene.com over the phone. “Whether people are flying in small or big numbers, the fact that my fans are willing to follow me around the world humbles me. And this is just for my pro debut.”

“I know I have my obligations with the media and I acknowledge my fans, but I have a job to do in the ring. Tim Ibarra is coming in with something to prove. He’s training to put himself in the best possible position to win. He’s not coming to lie down. I have to be myself and do my job.”

Conlan signed a promotional contract with Top Rank, which many consider the best in boxing as far as developing prospects to the next level and the possibility of fighting for a world title belt.

There is no telling how far Conlan could go, but the expectations are high with him.

“I believe in the process 100 percent,” said Conlan, who is managed by Matthew Macklin. “My entire team is on the same page and we’re going to move forward accordingly. They have my best interests as a person and a boxer.”

Conlan moved to the Los Angeles area to train with Manuel ‘Manny’ Robles, who also trains world titleholders Oscar Valdez and Jessie Magdaleno.

While Conlan has had an excellent amateur career, many in boxing believe he will be more successful in the pro ranks, considering his style was modeled more as a prizefighter.

“It’s been a fantastic experience working with Manny. I feel like I learn something new every day. The sparring I get with Oscar and Jessie is top-level. To be able to share the same ring with them and other top boxers in the gym benefits me more.”

“The amateur system is all hitting and not getting hit. In the pro ranks, it’s all about sitting down on your punches, especially when you’re attacking the body.”

Being away from his family (Conlan has a fiancé and a baby) may be tough on psychology and emotionally, but it is a sacrifice he is willing to make to succeed.

Conlan is in a good place, but he is not taking anything for granted.

He is looking forward to carrying the weight of a country on his back, especially if it is to be the best in the sport.

“”I will always have something to prove. I want to be a world champion. At the same time, I want to be Ireland’s greatest fighter.”

“I’m proud to be Irish and to represent them. These last few days leading up to the fight are what dreams are made of.” 

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper, RingTV.com, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing