Michael Conlan's promoter has apologised after saying he enjoys "IRA songs" being played prior to the boxer's fights.
Bob Arum, boss at Top Rank boxing promotional company, made the comments after Conlan's victory against Vladimir Nikitin in New York on Saturday.
He said: "I just get a kick out of it, because (Michael Conlan) got criticised last time when he came out to an IRA song".
However, in a statement released last night, Mr Arum said: “I wish to apologise for any offence caused by my comments in an interview I gave on Saturday night.
“I was making a joke but what I said was spur-of-the-moment, ill-informed and ill-advised. I have no excuses but as anyone who knows me will tell you, there was nothing malicious whatsoever intended.
“I am proud to represent great fighters such as Michael Conlan and Carl Frampton and I look forward to promoting more shows with our colleagues at MTK Global in the proud city of Belfast.
Belfast boxer Carl Frampton, who is also promoted by Mr Arum, said: “While Bob’s comments were offensive, I feel they were made out of a lack of knowledge regarding the complexities of our country. I do not believe they were malicious in nature.
“Boxing has always been a sport that has helped unite our people and divisive statements should be kept away from it.”
Michael Conlan said: "“I can understand how Bob’s comments have caused offence. However, I don’t think there was any malice behind what he said.
“While I don’t believe he meant to cause any harm, I welcome his apology.”
The row over the promoter's comments comes just months after Mr Conlan was forced to apologise after he entered the ring to a song which contained lyrics supporting the IRA.
He was criticised after the Wolfe Tones' Celtic Symphony, which includes the line "Up the Ra", was played before his St Patrick's Day fight in New York.
Good old Bob Arum you got a play a good old IR A song lol pic.twitter.com/E5VVV2oIlM
— @hughquinn3 (@hughquinn31) December 16, 2019
Conlon (27) was widely condemned by politicians and victims of IRA violence for "glorifying terrorism" and later said: "I misjudged the reaction and to the people I offended I definitely apologise".
The boxer said he did not hear the chants from fans but admitted his performance was "overshadowed" by the music.
His promoter Mr Arum is planning for Conlan to fight again in Madison Square Garden on March 17 next year.
"He's going to do it in the theatre of Madison Square Garden and it's during the week, St Patrick's Day, and the whole place will be green and we'll maybe play an IRA song to get everybody excited back in Ireland," he said.
"I just get a kick out of it, because (Michael Conlan) got criticised last time when he came out to an IRA song."
Following the controversy earlier this year, Mr Arum had said: "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."
