Michael Conlan Inks MGM Management Deal
By Elliot Foster
Michael Conlan has signed a managerial deal with MGM.
The Irish amateur sensation, whose promotional agreement was confirmed on Monday, will have his career guided by Matthew Macklin and co. at the Puerto Banus-based outfit.
Conlan, who turned over on a six-fight-per-year deal under Bob Arum and Top Rank after a foul-mouthed rant following his controversial exit from the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, is likely to have a watching brief until the new year.
It was confirmed by Conlan’s new promoter Arum that they are looking to have the 24-year-old make his pro bow in March, on the weekend of St Patrick’s Day, at Madison Square Garden in New York.
And although Arum will have a major say in Conlan’s movements in the States, he has enlisted the help of Macklin to ensure that he is active on both sides of the Atlantic.
Conlan won an array of gold medals in the 2015 World Amateur Championships, 2015 European Amateur Championships and 2014 Commonwealth Games. His list of accolades also includes a bronze medal in the 2012 Olympic Games and a silver gong in the 2013 European Championships.
“I am delighted to confirm my decision to turn professional,” Conlan said shortly after the arrangements were confirmed. “I cannot wait to get started and believe MGM are the perfect team to guide me to the pinnacle of the sport.
“I’m proud of my amateur achievements. However, I look forward to what I can achieve as a professional. I want to become Ireland’s greatest boxer ever.”
Meanwhile, Jono Carroll will return to the ring this weekend.
The Dublin super-featherweight, 24, is set for action in Solihull, Birmingham, at the Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, as part of an MGM Birmingham show.
The return of Carroll, set for Saturday (September 24) was announced just a day after the former Matchroom man confirmed a deal with MGM Marbella.
He struggled to get dates under Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Sport, but ‘King Kong’ is now looking forward to staying active after a promotional change.
“Signing with MGM is the perfect move for me,” the undefeated 10-0 (1 KO) man, who faces Simas Volosinas, said when the announcement was made.
“I have big plans moving forward and I firmly believe that MGM will help me achieve those ambitions.
“Keeping me busy is exactly what I need at this stage of my career and I fully expect to be challenging for titles over the next 12 months.”
MGM, meanwhile, were delighted to reveal their latest capture, saying: “We feel MGM have the ideal setup to help him fulfil his potential.
“He has a real fan-friendly style and is an ambitious man. The next 12-18 months will be huge for Jono and we firmly believe he will establish himself as a genuine force in the division.”
