Belfast boxer Michael Conlan is on the brink of making his professional debut, and there is already a bright spotlight shining down on the 25-year-old. To even add some hype to his debut, a fellow Irish fighter will be walking out to the ring with him on Saturday night in New York.
UFC superstar Conor McGregor will be hoisting the Irish flag as he walks Conlan out to the ring at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
The two fighters from separate sports built a bond over the past year since Conlan went from the Olympic Games to the professional boxing ranks. Conlan even helped McGregor prepare for his rematch with Nate Diaz, bringing him sparring partners to mimic Diaz’s style.
Watch below as Conlan discusses his relationship with the Irish MMA star, and what fans can expect on his Saint Patrick’s Day pro debut: