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Mayweather targeting Conlan pro deal?

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The race for the signature of Mick Conlan is heating up, with the Belfast star flying to Las Vegas today where he is believed to be continuing negotiations with US giant Mayweather Promotions – as well as enjoying some much-needed down time after a hectic year.

Sources say that the AIBA bantamweight World champion will be the guest of honour tomorrow night at the Cosmopolitan Casino for the Mayweather Promotions show featuring the likes of J’Leon Love and Ishe Smith.

Mayweather had initially shown huge interest in US teen Shakur Stevenson, the Rio Olympic silver medalist, however the Leonard Ellerbe-ran company were also impressed with Ireland’s Conlan during the recent Games.

In Brazil, Conlan exited at the quarter final stage to Russian Vladimir Nikitin in highly contentious fashion. The Clonard fighter was ludicrously adjudged by all three judges to have lost to the Russian, who later withdrew from the tournament due to pre-existing injuries exponentially worsened by Conlan. The 2012 Olympic bronze medalist’s impassioned outburst afterwards where he called out perceived AIBA corruption won him many fans throughout the boxing World

Despite additional US interest from the likes of Golden Boy and Top Rank, the 24 year old is said to be keeping his options open regarding his pro future, and is heavily rumoured to be favouring a pro career closer to home with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Promotions. However, a charm offensive led by five-weight World champion Mayweather could influence his final decision.

While Mayweather Promotions are dwarfed Stateside by some of the bigger players such as Top Rank and Golden Boy, they enjoy a healthy working relationship with both Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions venture and the aforementioned Golden Boy Promotions.

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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