Updated at 12:00
IRISH BOXER MICHAEL Conlan is going ahead with his plans to turn professional, but you won’t be seeing him in the ring again in 2016.
Speaking to Anton Savage on Today FM this morning, Conlan revealed that an announcement will be made “soon,” although he didn’t elaborate on exactly when the deal will become official.
“I will definitely turn professional and it will be announced soon enough,” Conlan said. “At the minute I’m still going through contract negotiations and stuff. Picking the right team and the right coaches is another path I have to [go down].
“I’m looking forward to it but it’s all going to take a bit of time.
Asked when we can expect to see him fight again, Conlan replied: “I don’t think you should worry about anything this year. I think you’re free enough this year.
“You don’t have to get any tickets or book any flights this year. You’ll find out soon but it’ll not be this year anyway.”
Conlan exited the Olympic Games in Rio in extremely controversial circumstances to Vladimir Nikitin last month.
He confirmed he has no intentions of ever returning to the amateur game.
“Not a chance. They can say they’ll fine me whatever they want. I want nothing to do with amateur boxing anymore.
“I actually hope the discipline they give me is a ban for life from amateur boxing, because I’ll never be doing it anyway.
“I hope they ban me for life.”
“I don’t think I’ll watch an Olympic Games again. I wouldn’t watch any Paralympic or Olympic sport which is involved in the Olympic Committee or IABA boxing.
“I’ll not watch another event which involves that sport.”
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