2 days ago
Michael Conlan reflects on infamous X-rated Olympics interview nine years on
Michael Conlan says his controversial loss at the 2016 Olympics was a 'blessing in disguise' nine years on from his infamous RTE interview.
Just moments after the shock loss to Vladimir Nikitin, Conlan gave an expletive-ridden interview to the national broadcaster, calling the decision a 'shambles'.
"I will never box for them again," Conlan told RTE. "They're cheating b*******, they're paying everybody.
"I don't give a f*** about swearing on TV. I'm here to win Olympic gold and my dream has been shattered." Conlan was also seen pointing the middle finger in the ring after the fight.
Since then, an independent investigation has said the fight outcome was 'deemed suspicious,' while Conlan has previously added that he feels vindicated by the McLaren report.
Now nine years to the day, Conlan has reflected on the shock loss.
"Nine years ago today... time really does fly!" he posted on social media.
"What felt like a setback back then turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The truth came out later with the McLaren Report (look it up if you don't know) which made it all the sweeter knowing I was right.
"If I could go back to change this I wouldn't. What's meant to be will always be - this was springboard into professional boxing world that helped me set up my family future, so thank you."
Conlan would go on to launch a successful pro career and was one last-minute punch away from becoming a world champion when he lost to Leigh Wood in 2022.
He faced his old foe Nikitin in December 2019, cruising to victory via unanimous decision.
Since his loss to Wood, Conlan's career hasn't been plain sailing. After bouncing back with a couple of wins, he suffered successive defeats to Luis Alberto Lopez and Jordan Gill.
Conlan did say he was on the verge of retirement only for his daughter to force a u-turn.
"It was after after Lopez and after Gill and I'm thinking 'that's enough, that's me done,'" he told the Irish Mirror.
"So I said to the missus, that's me done, I ain't going to do this no more and she says 'okay, no problem'.
"But my daughter Luisne who is 10 hears me saying it and she says 'What? No, daddy! You need to be a world champion, you're not retiring...'."
He returns to action next month, headlining a 3Arena Show on 5 September against Jack Bateson.
