The Time is Now for Ireland’s Michael Conlan to Win Gold

Michael Conlan has been praised as one of Ireland’s most exciting boxing prospects in years. In just a few short days he will look to notch his first win of the 2016 Olympics

Ireland has a rich history of boxing legends. The country has a true passion for the sweet science, and with the success of MMA superstar Conor McGregor, the excitement for combat sports has never been higher. One of the brightest young stars emerging out of the Emerald Isle is Belfast’s Michael Conlan.

If the name sounds familiar, it may be because the aforementioned Conor McGregor has been training with Conlan in anticipation of his rematch with Nate Diaz. The Belfast native is an established boxer with years of competitive experience, and will surely be a welcome addition to the McGregor training regime.

It was at the London Olympic Games that Michael Conlan established himself as a tremendously talented boxer. He won two matches against tough competitors to win a bronze medal and the respect of the entire boxing community. Now, four years later, he looks to make Irish gambling news by going undefeated and bringing a gold medal back to Ireland.

Who Will Conlan be Up Against?

Nothing comes easy in boxing, and Conlan will need to show up in top form to bring home gold. His first match has now been set, as he takes on Armenian powerhouse Aram Avagyan in just four days. Avagyan defeated Japanese fighter Arashi Morisaka 2 rounds to 1 in a solid performance.

Advancing past Avagyan will just be the first step. You could say the 56kg weight class that Michael Conlan competes in is the toughest in the Olympic Games. A number of skilled fighters are pushing for gold, including Shakur Stevenson who is been praised as one of the USA’s best Olympic boxers.

PaddyPower currently lists Conlan as a 10/3 underdog to win gold. Ahead of him is Cuban standout Robeisy Ramirez who takes on Shiva Thapa tomorrow. Ramirez’s odds are listed at 9/4.

What do you think? Can Michael Conlan bring gold back to Ireland? Leave your comments below, and make sure to check out GamingZion’s list of online sportsbooks in Ireland for a full list of the best websites for betting on the Olympics!