Michael Conlan jetted off for Las Vegas last night to enjoy some downtime after a tumultuous summer, but he might have to squeeze some business into his holiday.
Irish-boxing.com are reporting that Conlan is in formative talks with Floyd Mayweather's Mayweather Promotions, which will continue tomorrow night when Conlan is guest of honour at their fight card at The Cosmopolitan.
The Nevada-based promotional company had previously been conspicuous in their courting of US amateur standout and Olympic silver medallist Shakur Stevenson, who recently revealed to Irish boxing writer Kane Clarke that he intends to make his pro debut in January.
Since Conlan's contemptible Olympic exit at the hands of Russia's Wladimir Nikitin, or more pertinently, the judges last month, the Belfast bantamweight and his US counterpart's professional paths seemed destined to cross, although that 'you took a gold medal that belonged to me' narrative took a hit when Stevenson lost the Olympic final to Cuban sensation Robeisy Ramirez.
Mayweather Promotions will doubtless have become aware of Conlan while closely monitoring Stevenson's progress, and it now seems they're keen to seal the signature of the 24-year-old World amateur champion as well. What a difference an F-laden rant makes.
We've understood for some time that Conlan has had a number of offers from both the US and the UK - Top Rank, Golden Boy and Matchroom being three of the massive names amongst Conlan's suitors - but the man himself is yet to decide where his future lies.
Speaking to this writer prior to the Olympics, Conlan indicated a move to England would suit better than a transatlantic upheaval, as he was keen for his family to remain in Belfast:
I don't think there are enough trainers in Ireland, and I don't think there's enough of an appetite here to make big money.
The best offer will decide it. You know, I've a young family. I want my daughter to go to an Irish school - she'll be a Gaelgeoir. And for that reason I'm more inclined to move towards the UK, because that way I won't need to move my family anywhere.
Money (both currency and Floyd Mayweather), however, will be a factor in any final decision, and a switch to the USA could render Conlan's family financially secure up front as opposed to a few years down the line. America is now realistic and perhaps even likely, but Eddie Hearn, Matchroom and Sky Sports might well have their say yet.
Mayweather Promotions have a good working relationship with Golden Boy Promotions and, intriguingly, Premier Boxing Champions, which - were Conlan to sign with MP - would see him fight in front of millions on domestic television in the US. Mayweather Promotions have thus far declined to comment on the matter.
