In case you haven't heard the news: Michael Conlan took the latest step towards becoming a world superstar as he inked a pro deal with Top Rank promotions, in a transcendent move for Irish boxing. Top Rank are one of the top two promotions in the U.S., and Conlan will soon be fighting in front of huge audiences on Showtime.
Top Rank have previously promoted Muhammad Ali, Oscar De La Hoya, Roberto Durán, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Marvin Hagler, Juan Manuel Marquez, Manny Pacquiao, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, Erik Morales, Thomas Hearns, Paulie Ayala, Iran Barkley, Michael Carbajal, Larry Holmes, Ray Mancini and James Toney.
In short, it's a big deal for Conlan and Irish boxing.
But it's also a big deal for Top Rank promotions, judging by the reaction among sportswriters in the States. Many of them have taken the angle that Conlan agreeing to sign with Top Rank is a huge coup for the promotion company.
CEO and founder Bob Arum confirmed the news in evocative fashion:
Amateur hour is over. @mickconlan11 @ToddDuboef @CarlMoretti @trboxing pic.twitter.com/kweLoEMzKU
— Bob Arum (@BobArum) September 19, 2016
Here are Arum's quotes upon the announcement, via ESPN:
We're not crazy, so we're not running after a million guys.
We want only quality. Conlan is quality. In the old days we had to run after people, and now they run to us because of our reputation. They know we know how to build a fighter into a superstar.
Lance Pugmire of the L.A. Times had quotes showing Arum's delight at signing Conlan:
Top Rank signs Ireland Olympian Michael Conlan and @ToddDuboef said he's turning model upside down starting charismatic fighter in US.
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) September 19, 2016
Bob Arum says Conlan will likely debut for Top Rank next year, loves his "ability, personality and following."
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) September 19, 2016
Here's the reaction from another few noted American scribes, beginning with ESPN's Dan Rafael:
. @trboxing signing of @mickconlan11 is huge, especially since he is going to fight primarily in the US. #boxing
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) September 19, 2016
When a twitter user responded to Rafael to express surprise that Conlan didn't sign with Eddie Hearn, Rafael responded to emphasise exactly how big Conlan can be: he can conquer the States.
Examine TR's history of building PPV stars in America. Then you will know the reason.
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) September 19, 2016
Elsewhere...
Big signing for Top Rank. https://t.co/8OSflfwUBo
— adam abramowitz (@snboxing) September 19, 2016
LOL ... Michael Conlan's gesture heard round the world! https://t.co/UCNoikAzsF
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) September 19, 2016
Here's an excerpt from the report on BadLeftHook.com:
It’s a good signing for Top Rank. Conlan shouldn’t need a ton of time to adjust to the pro game. Whether or not he has top level potential remains to be seen, but he should be a good money draw at least in the short term both at home in Ireland and in the northeastern United States.
And where would we be without a tweet from Paddy Barnes?
Take that @AIBA_Boxing https://t.co/N6oV59mcYA
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) September 19, 2016
Michael Conlan gave an interview heard around the world in Rio.
His name will echo for years to come.
