MICHAEL Conlan's promoter has said critics of the Belfast boxer for his ring entrance song containing pro-IRA lyrics should "get over it because the Troubles are over".
Top Rank boss Bob Arum said Conlan did not mean to cause offence when he entered the ring for a bout in New York to Wolfe Tones song Celtic Symphony.
The track includes the line, "Ooh ah up the Ra", which many in the crowd chanted as Conlan made his way to the ring at Madison Square Garden on St Patrick's night.
It prompted criticism including from DUP leader Arlene Foster who tweeted: "All terrorism was wrong and should be condemned – not glorified."
American promoter Bob Arum signed Olympic bronze medallist Conlan (27) to his firm Top Rank in 2016.
Responding to the criticism, Mr Arum told the Belfast Telegraph: "Mick certainly didn't want to offend anybody with the tune he used for his ringwalk in the Garden.
"I know he has received criticism for what he came out to but I think people need to get over it because the Troubles are over.
"People need to move on but the songs and chants on both sides still stir the blood and the people in the arena went nuts when they heard it and I haven't seen enthusiasm like that for a long time. But I'm an American, so maybe my view doesn't count.
"I understand it can be a sensitive issue but it was not done to cause offence and here in the States everyone is just commenting on what a great atmosphere it was and what a great production."
Conlan maintained his unbeaten record on St Patrick's night by defeating Mexico's Ruben Garcia Hernandez – the Belfast boxer's 11th straight win.
