Mick Conlan and Top Rank want Paddy Barnes to fight on New York debut card

Paddy Barnes is already trying to blag his way onto the undercard of Mick Conlan‘s debut.

Having signed with Top Rank this week, Conlan revealed that he will most likely debut at none other than Madison Square Garden on St Patrick’s weekend, and Barnes could also feature on the card.

Speaking to Irish-boxing.com, Conlan explained how fellow MGM managerial stablemate Barnes has already set about joining his boxing brother-in-arms on what promises to be a special night.

The World gold and Olympic bronze medal winner admits his move may benefit some Irish fighters, Barnes and brother Jamie in particular – both of whom seem set to appear on the Belfast Boxnation card on November 5th at the Titanic Exhibition Centre.

“As soon as I signed with them, Paddy sent Carl Moretti [Top Rank Vice-President] a message saying just make sure I am on the undercard,” said Conlan.

Indeed, rather than be seen as a joke, Conlan revealed that there has already been positive movement regarding Ireland’s greatest double act since Podge and Rodge appearing on the same card next March.

Conlan recalled how “I said get him on it, and he [Moretti] said ‘yeah, yeah, definitely.’ They are going to try for that.”

“That would be great to have him on the show and have both of us on the the same show together. On St Patrick’s Day in Madison Square Garden that would be unbelievable.”

“Especially for him, being called Paddy too, and actually looking like a complete Irishman, small and ginger, would be brilliant. That would be nice to see and it would be a bit of comfort for my debut too. ”

If Barnes does appear on the card and gets the ear of Top Rank and Bob Arum, don’t be surprised if he pushes for a future rematch with his old amateur foe and current Top Rank fighter Zou Shiming – who is rumoured to be challenging for the WBO flyweight title on the Vargas-Pacquiao undercard in Vegas on November 5th against Kwanpichit OnesongchaiGym.