McGuigan calls on the British Board to free up British title for Conlan

CYCLONE Promotions are putting pressure on the British Boxing Board of Control to end the ‘ridiculous’ situation surrounding the super flyweight title so Jamie Conlan can finally get a tilt.

The Belfast favourite has been on the verge of domestic honours for a number of years and is continually linked with the British champions. Indeed, ‘The Mexican’ is the number 1 ranked contender. However, despite virtual mandatory status Conlan hasn’t been able to secure a massive British title fight.

Cyclone Promotions are now fighting their man’s corner and are badgering the board to give Conlan the shot he is entitled to.

“Conlan should have had a British title fight a year or two years ago. We have taken it up with the British Boxing Board, trying to get him that shot. It is ridiculous he hasn’t got a shot,” Irish Boxing Legend and Cyclone Promotions CEO McGuigan said.

Conlan’s domestic progress has been held up by a lack willingness from Paul Butler to vacate or defend the strap.

The reigning champion has a world title fight lined up at bantamweight, meaning he is not available to defend his British title. However, he isn’t keen to vacate and McGuigan believes such a scenario is unfair on Conlan and all other competitive and eager to progress Super Flys.  

“The situation were Butler can hold on to titles while going to fight for a world title at a different weight division is just not fair,” the former World champion added.

“It’s not fair on Jamie, he is number one in the UK and he should be fighting for the British title. I am surprised at the board and we have been harassing Robert Smith about the situation and we will continue to do that.

“They say he (Butler) hasn’t relinquished yet, but he should relinquished because he is now fighting for a bantamweight title. Jamie would love to fight Butler, but Butler is gone off to fight for a World title, which I hope he wins and frees up the super flyweight title. What happens if he doesn’t win? Can he hold up the title for six months while he recovers while we sit here and twiddle our thumbs?

“We will persevere and do our best for Jamie and in the meantime Jamie has a good fight lined up for the Waterfront show. He has a good world ranking now (no.11 with the WBO) and that is an avenue we can pursue.”