By Paddy Appleton

Former amateur star Ryan Burnett believes ex-team mates Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan can go all the way in this summer’s Olympics.

Burnett relinquished his opportunity to go to the games having signed a professional contract with Ricky Hatton in January of this year.

The 19 year old told BBC Sport that the amateur game was not for him anymore but he is backing pals Barnes and Conlan to impress for Ireland in London.

Burnett said: “It’s everyone’s dream to get to the Olympics, but to be honest I was bored with the amateur game. I wanted something different so I decided to go pro. I had a good hard chat with my dad and a good talk with Ricky before and I decided this was the path I wanted to take.”

“Michael Conlan’s an unbelievable boxer and Paddy Barnes went and got bronze at the last Olympics and has improved ever since. I think the boys have a really good chance to take home some medals.”

The Belfast boxer will not be at this year’s Olympics having gone pro, but it is clear he rates the chances of his fellow Antrim fighters and the Irish boxing fraternity will hope he is right come August.