Boxing: 'I don't want to retire thinking 'what if' - Conlan

Michael Conlan has penned a 'long-term' deal to join Wasserman Promotions as he aims for another World title shot.

The 33-year-old Belfast featherweight joins a roster of fighters , that includes Josh Kelly, Harlem Eubank and Abass Baraou.

Conlan has been out of the ring for over 12 months, but news of his long-awaited return is expected to be confirmed soon.

“I turned professional in 2017 with a clear goal – to become world champion," Conlan says.

“I still firmly believe I have the ability to get to the very top, and I did not want to retire and, 10 or 15 years down the line, be thinking ‘what if?’.

“And for this defining period in my career, it was vital to partner with the right promoter and I am thrilled to team up with Kalle, Nisse and the whole team at Wasserman Boxing.

“Very soon, I’ll be able to share news of my comeback fight. Stay tuned.”

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, added: “Michael Conlan is a true icon of Irish boxing, and we are honoured he has decided to join us at Wasserman Boxing.

“Michael has already enjoyed a quite sensational career and is a hero to the people in his homeland, but he isn’t done yet.

“He wants to cement his legacy by capturing the world title, and his determination to achieve that is infectious.

“Nisse and I cannot wait to set out on this journey with Michael, because it promises to be extra-special.”

Conlan made his professional debut on St Patrick's Day 2017 at Madison Square Garden, before avenging his controversial 2016 Olympic defeat to Vladimir Nikitin in New York in 2019.

It set the stage for a homecoming fight, at Falls Park in Belfast, against TJ Doheny, where victory secured him the interim WBA featherweight title.

Conlan challenged champion Leigh Wood the following year in a remarkable contest before rebuilding and earning a shot at IBF title holder Luis Alberto Lopez.