Jamie Conlan forced to fight for spotlight

Undefeated Belfast super-flyweight Jamie Conlan returns to the ring tonight, co-headlining a professional card at Dublin’s National Stadium as he builds towards a world-title shot. Even in fight week, the 29-year-old has been forced to compete with his younger brother for attention, however.

Michael Conlan’s success in becoming the first Irishman to claim a world amateur gold medal at senior level in Doha last month has added to the usual pre-Olympic cycle of renewed interest in Irish boxing. The bandwagon jumping was evident this week as numerous media outlets reported on the younger Conlan’s eagerness to turn professional after Rio 2016, despite the fact that he has stated that intention numerous times over the past four years since London 2012.

Still, Jamie, the elder Conlan brother, maintains he isn’t perturbed by the fact he has to compete for the spotlight.