Manny Robles “humbled” to train Conlan – but warns of “greater responsibilities”

Mick Conlan made the big decision to relocate to Los Angeles for his pro career, with a major factor in this being Manny Robles.

The relatively young trainer, who also handles Conlan’s former Irish team mate Jason Quigley, has become one of the most sought-after coaches in the sport following a year that saw two of his figters, Óscar Valdez and Jessie Magdaleno, claim world titles.

2015 World Amateur champion Conlan traveled to ‘The Rock Gym’ in Carson last November and would instantly gel with Robles. Conlan would return to the West Coast last week to start camp proper for his March 17th debut.

Robles, former coach of the now-defunct WSB team the LA Matadors, has been impressed by Conlan. He is grateful of the opportunity to train one of the top prospects in the world, but warned the Irishman that the stakes are higher in the paid game.

“I am looking forward to working with Michael,” Robles said. “I believe the kid has a very bright future in boxing. Now that he will no longer be fighting for trophies, but instead for world titles he will be faced with greater responsibilities. He and I both are ready to take on this new challenge. It is an opportunity I feel humbled by.”

This new challenge begins on St Patrick’s Day on the other side of the country, with the Belfast super bantamweight headlining a Top Rank bill at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Here he faces Tim Ibarra of Brighton, Colorado, and Robles has promised that he will ensure Conlan puts on a show

“I am very excited for Michael making his debut at The Garden,” he continued, “and I hope others are as well. He is an incredible fighter who will put on an incredible fight. And as his coach I am ready to play my role in making sure he does not disappoint his fans, but instead proves to them that he is ready to take on the world.”

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Joe O’Neill and Gavan Casey look ahead to 2017 in episode 1 of The Irish Boxing Show