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Michael Conlan

Michael Conlan21 posts

Michael Conlan is an Irish amateur boxer, born in Belfast in 1991. His achievements include an Olympic bronze medal at London 2012 and a World Championships gold medal at Doha 2015.

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19 Mar, 2017

Comment: McGregor stole Conlan’s spotlight

Opinion0 Comments

Jack O’Toole of The Independent says McGregor stole Conlan’s spotlight.

McGregor has forged his star on seizing the moment, whether that be dispatching former Featherweight champion Jose Aldo within 13 seconds, or sending Twitter into a frenzy with his ‘thanks for the cheese’ retirement tweet last year, McGregor has always demonstrated an ability to capitalise on his surroundings. However, on Friday in New York, he pushed his own brand at the expense of Michael Conlan’s, as the only time the Crumlin native was out of the spotlight was seemingly between bells, when Conlan, Tim Ibarra and referee Benjy Esteves where the only three people permitted to be inside the ring. But even during the fight McGregor was the centre of attention, as he was forced to move from Conlan’s corner to the opposite side of the ring where he was given a folding chair to sit on by arena security, which was akin to giving a child sunscreen in Spain, you can try, but naturally, they’re going to be reluctant at your proposals, even if it’s the best thing for them…[McGregor’s] shadow looms large, Conlan, and the press certainly know that, but if you open the door to the wolf, don’t be surprised when he works his way right into the hen house.