Michael Conlan excited to work with 'best prospect on the island'

Michael Conlan has hailed Pierce O'Leary as the 'best prospect on the island' after securing the 24-year-old's signature. O'Leary has signed a management deal with Conlan Boxing after easing to a perfect record of 14-0 in the pro ranks.

Promoted by Frank Warren's Queensberry, it is hoped O'Leary can star on some huge cards in Ireland.

He successfully defended his WBC International super-lightweight title for a third time in March with a ninth-round knockout win over previously undefeated Belgian Hovhannes Martirosyan.

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Conlan told the Irish Mirror: "Now we're managing Pierce, we're pushing Frank and George [Warren] to come to Dublin. This kid is a star. He's got all the ability in the world.

"The kid can punch really, really hard and is also a very good boxer, but he has the fanbase, he has that kind of typical Irishman mentality, a humble, down to earth guy, who is just going to try and provide a better life for his family, which is always nice to see.

"In my opinion, he is probably the best prospect on the island and someone who I wanted to sign from the day we started Conlan Boxing."

O'Leary, who hails from Dublin, is expected to sell out the 3Arena when the time comes, with Conlan and Warren backing him to follow in the footsteps of fellow Dubliner Bernard Dunne.

"I know he'll sell it out already because I already know the tickets he does when he fights in London and stuff, all flying in from Ireland coming to watch him," stated Conlan.

"These guys are travelling. He fights in Dublin, obviously you stack the undercard too, it's going to sell, it's going to do really well and there's nothing like a star being born in Dublin who is from Dublin, from the city.

"The last person from the city who did it really big was Bernard Dunne and that's a long time ago and I think Pierce is the next man to seek that mantle."

• Michael Conlan was speaking at the launch of his new beer - Le Grá. The one-of-a-kind golden brew is infused with real shamrocks for a touch of ancient Irish luck. Le Grá Premium Irish Lager is available across Ireland at retailers, bars, and pubs. For more information visit www.legrabeer.com

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