Two-time Olympian Michael Conlan is repositioning himself in the featherweight division after a shocking fifth-round defeat by IBF featherweight champion, Luis Alberto Lopez, this past May. Despite this setback, Conlan remains firmly focused on capturing a world title.
The 31-year-old began his pro journey in California with Manny Robles. Afterward, he transitioned to Adam Booth in Surrey. In his latest move, Conlan is venturing to Miami, entrusting his training to the renowned Cuban trainer, Pedro Diaz. Explaining his choice, Conlan said to Boxing Social, “From the time I spent with him, [Diaz] was the guy who ticked all the boxes. He was the one I think is gonna be best matched to my style.”
In addition to the change in coaching, Conlan has parted ways amicably with his longtime promoters, Top Rank. His comeback will be under the Matchroom banner, with a featherweight bout against former European champion, Jordan Gill, headlining a stacked event in Belfast on December 2nd. The event will also feature several intriguing bouts, including Agayarko vs. Williamson in the super welterweight category and McKenna vs. Crocker at welterweight.
Both Conlan and Gill have history, having shared multiple rounds during Conlan’s tenure with Booth. Conlan (18-2, 9 KOs) acknowledges his familiarity with Gill (27-2-1, 8 KOs), stating, “Sparring is sparring. I have all the sparring on record and I’ve sent it all to my coach already.” Gill, a former Commonwealth and European champion, is also on the path of redemption after a defeat to Kiko Martinez last October.
Looking ahead, the featherweight landscape is in flux. After a recent win against Josh Warrington, WBA champion Leigh Wood is eyeing a move to the super featherweight division, with Warrington likely to follow suit. Conlan, who had a spectacular fight with Wood in 2022, is prioritizing a world title over a high-profile rematch. Reflecting on his journey, Conlan asserted, “I believed I’d be world champion and I still believe I’ll be world champion. It’s just a matter of time.”
Image Credit: Sky Sports