Sport

Financial reality expected to force Paddy Barnes & Michael Conlan into professional ranks

Belfast boxers Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan ahead of their departure for Rio  
Belfast boxers Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan ahead of their departure for Rio   Belfast boxers Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan ahead of their departure for Rio  

EVEN if Michael Conlan and Paddy Barnes did want to remain as amateurs, which seems highly unlikely, harsh financial reality is expected to force the Belfast pair into the paid ranks.

Barnes has been on top funding of €40,000 per year from the Irish Sports Council since winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics, with Conlan joining him four years later after reaching the last-four in London.

Returning to Ireland without medals of any description, however controversial the circumstances, means their funding will be cut: “Exactly, we’re screwed that way,” said Barnes.

“That takes us down to zero.”

Both were viewed as genuine gold medal hopes heading into the Rio Olympics, but weight issues led to Barnes’ early departure against Spain’s Samuel Carmona, while Conlan hit the headlines worldwide after slating boxing’s governing body, the AIBA, in the aftermath of his inexplicable unanimous defeat to Russia’s Vladimir Nikitin.

Speculation about their respective futures kicked in immediately, with Conlan in particular linked with some of the biggest players in the boxing world, while Barnes is unlikely to be short of offers.

Reigning Commonwealth, European and World champion Conlan has made no secret of his desire to join brother Jamie in the professional ranks after Rio, although the plan was to use an Olympic gold medal as a bargaining chip.

“The money side of things is what I haven’t really thought about yet - what this has probably cost me. Olympic gold medals write cheques,” said the 24-year-old.

“I was planning probably a few more holidays than I should’ve because I was thinking I’m going to have an Olympic gold medal, I’m going to be getting money thrown at me. I might not be going on as many holidays as I expected!”

The likes of Golden Boy Promotions and US boxing mogul Al Hayman are understood to be interested in signing Conlan, while there has also been plenty of interest in Britain, with Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn a fan.

After a gruelling final couple of years leading into the Olympics, Conlan is keen to take a break and doesn’t expect to feature in a ring - either as an amateur or professional - until 2017.

Brother Jamie suggested the high-profile nature of his Olympic exit could eventually play into his younger sibling’s hands and Michael understands there is a need to make hay while the sun shines.

“I don’t think you could ever make up for the gold, but it could be the case," Michael said.

“If I was going to lose - which I wasn’t - but if I was, it’s probably the way you would’ve wanted to lose.”