JASON QUIGLEY IS looking forward to teaming up with Michael Conlan in California in November.
Belfast super-bantamweight Conlan decided to turn professional after his Olympic Games disappointment and will train in The Rock Gym in Carson for a time.
Conlan will work alongside Quigley with Mexican trainer Manny Robles.
Quigley and Conlan were team-mates while they were leading amateurs.
In 2013 Quigley won Gold and Conlan a Silver at the European Championships.
[adrotate group=”85″]Now, the pair – who holidayed together in Magaluf in 2013 – will join forces again for a time as Conlan prepares for his debut, on St Patrick’s Day at Madison Square Garden in New York.
“He has all the potential and I have all the faith that he’ll go all the way and do really well as a pro,” Quigley, who is 11-0 and will have his 12th pro bout in December, says.
“Michael is due to come out here and train in the gym, see the set up and get a feel for the coaching.
[adrotate group=”76″]“The pro game is definitely a different sport to amateur boxing. Michael has the style to adapt and he’s a super all-round boxer. He’s very good both inside and at long distance. It’ll be tough. None of this is easy.
“It isn’t easy to get and just get in and be fresh right away. He’s coming for a trial run.
“I’m happy that I’m here because it’ll help Michael to familiarise himself with the place. I came here and didn’t have that, but he’s coming out to a friend, to someone who he’s been to Championships with.”
[adrotate group=”38″]Quigley turned pro after winning a silver at the 2013 World Championships, but Conlan stuck at amateur level only to be robbed of progression in Rio at the Oiympics when Russian Vladimir Nikitin was handed a controversial win.
Conlan has signed with Top Rank and will be managed by Macklin’s Gym Marbella while he will train under Robles from the middle of November.
Quigley says: “The debut is top class: Paddy’s Day at Madisson Square Garden. It’s unbelievable. The Irish will come out in massive numbers for him in New York.
“It’s exciting for Michael and I can’t wait to see him in the professional game. We go back a long way and I remember well the first international tournament we were at together.”
[adrotate group=”86″]That was the Gee Bee Multi Nations in Helsinki, Finland back in 2012 when the pair both won gold medals, as did David Oliver Joyce, Ken Egan and Tommy McCarthy.
Quigley overcame England’s Anthony Ogogo in his final while Conlan overcame England’s Tommy Stubbs.
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