In the days and weeks after the 2016 Rio Olympics, Ireland’s athletes were picking through the bones of what was an up-and-down festival. On one side of the medal table there was silver delight for the O’Donovan brothers in the rowing, while Annalise Murphy performed a similar feat in the women’s rowing event.
However, over in the boxing there was disappointment for one of Ireland’s top prospects. Heading into the Games Michael Conlan was tipped for big things in the 56kg bracket, but a harsh decision not only caused shock from fans but outrage from the young amateur.
Conlan Robbed of Olympic Dream
“Olympic Rings” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by spcbrass
Having tasted success at London 2012 where he picked up a bronze medal, Conlan was looking to go at least one better this summer and make an appearance in the final. Unfortunately, despite being up on the scorecards of many in attendance, Conlan was handed a controversial defeat to Russia’s Vladimir Nikitin.
An impressive first round from Conlan saw him pick off his opponent with some stinging shots, but despite the cleaner work the judges gave the round to Nikitin 10-9. Continuing his forward momentum, Conlan clinched the second, but a last-minute brawl in the final round earned Nikitin a surprise win.
Following the defeat Conlan gave the judges the thumbs down sign before going on to tell the BBC that amateur boxing is “rotten” to the core and that he’d been “robbed” of his Olympic dream. Indeed, aside from seeing a guaranteed bronze medal snatched from his grasp, Conlan knew this would be his last amateur bout and wanted to end on a high note.
New Goals for Irish Prospect
“Boxing Gloves HDR” (CC BY 2.0) by araza123
However, with professional boxing now in his sights, Conlan will have to embark on the next phase of his career under a dark cloud. Fortunately, despite the unceremonious exit from the Olympics, Conlan is confident he can become a multi-weight world champion. At 56kg, Conlan could conceivably fight at bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight. All options pose their potential problems as the current form shows.
Fighting for supremacy on the much anticipated Golovkin vs. Brook undercard will be IBF bantamweight champion Lee Haskins. With a 33-3 record, the 32-year-old is as experienced as they come, but according to his opponent Stuart Hall, time is catching up with the champ. Referring to Haskins as a jealous person in an interview with the BBC, Hall will be looking to upset the odds when the two meet on September 10.
Indeed, according to the odds at Betway.com, Hall will enter the ring as the 9/4 underdog, while Haskins will be the 4/11 favourite. Of course, anything can happen when the bell sounds, but it’s these sort of match-ups that Conlan will be watching with great interest.
Good Riddance Rio
“Rio” (CC BY 2.0) by karendesuyo
While there’s no doubt his career will be carefully managed, an IBF challenge at bantamweight could be well within his reach. Although the weight cut to 53kg might be a little taxing on his body, the size and strength advantage he’d enjoy at the weight could help fast track him to the likes of Hall and Haskins.
However, before Conlan can look towards world titles in the pro ranks, he’ll have to make sure he’s put the disappointment of Rio behind him. In fact, for Irish athletics as a whole the 2016 Olympics will be one to forget. With poor performances, controversial decisions and drug test failures all playing their part in a turbulent two weeks of action, Irish athletes will be glad to see the back of Brazil.
Will things be better in Tokyo in 2020? Only time will tell.