Conlan already thinking about winning gold in Rio

Within minutes of creating history and becoming the first male boxer ever to win World Championship gold for Ireland, Micheal Conlan was already thinking and talking about Rio 2016 and his Olympic top-of-the-podium aspirations.

In fairness, Rio wasn’t in the forefront of the fighter’s, who beat Murodjon Akhmadaliev in the bantamweight decider to make history, mind, but typical of the hungry and driven boxer the next goal, and gold, he is targeting did come up after his victory.

“World champion! Not much else you can say,” beamed Conlan afterwards.

“I’m delighted for myself and delighted for my family. It’s been a long time coming. I predicted I was going to do it, so I’m really, really happy.

“Just saying it, World Champion, it’s amazing. I’m looking forward to Rio. I really believe I can go there and win gold as well.”

Conlan had to get up off the floor to claim the win, a feat which saw most praise his guts and spirit – however the Belfast star claims he was ’embarrassed’ by the knock down.

“I’m a bit embarrassed at getting knocked down in the last round. It is the first time I have been on the canvas in my life. He hit me right on the button.