Conor Quinn has signed a three year deal with local manager Mark Dunlop.
The former Clonard star – who won seven Irish titles and represented Ireland at World and European level as an amateur – has had two professional fights do date.
‘The Magnificent’ has fought in Brisbane, Australia and also in Bangkok, Thailand with both contests ending in stoppage wins for the Belfast fighter.
But due to Covid-19, Quinn – who was based in Brisbane – has returned to his native Belfast and signed a three year deal with Dunlop – who already has James Tennyson, Tommy McCarthy, Paul Hyland Jnr and Eric Donovan in his stable.
”I am delighted to be back in Belfast and working with the best in the business. All I want from my manager is for him to get me opportunities, and then it is up to me to work hard and get the results,” said Quinn.
”And it is clear that Mark can get those opportunities, so all I have to do is work hard in the gym and make sure I am ready for whatever fight he gets me. I will work as hard as I can, and I know Mark will get me the fights I need.
”I was in Brisbane for a year, and even though I only had two fights, I was in the gym every day. I feel I developed as a professional. I know I did well as an amateur, but this is the pro game now and that year in Australia helped me experience-wise.
”In 2021, I just want to be fighting as much as I can and listen to what Mark says. I have full trust in him, so whatever he wants me to do, I will do, and hopefully, before the end of 2021, I will have had a successful year and got a few more wins under my belt.
”I just want to get a few fights under my belt and get to know my new coach Dee Walsh, and he will get to know me. And then, at the end of 2021, I want to start pushing on and start mixing with the top boys.
”You look at Carl Frampton and Michael Conlan. Guys like that are role models for every young boxer. To be so close to them and see them train pushes everyone on and I have seen the training and work Michael puts in, and that is what I have to do.
”I had some success as an amateur, and I now know what success tastes like, so I want more of that in the professional game.”
Dunlop is excited by the prospect of working with the former amateur star.
”He is only 22 years of age, and he had over 100 amateur fights. He was also seven times Irish champion. Basically, as an amateur, he won everything,” he said
”He boxed for Ireland and regularly won medals. He is a top-class kid, and he is going to do the business. In his weight division – flyweight or super flyweight – this kid could win a British title now, but we are going to take it easy and bring him on at the right pace, but the goal is to be a world champion.
”Peter Graham, his amateur coach, contacted me first, and then I asked Dee about him because Dee had been working with him for a bit. Then I got talking to Conor, and he wants Peter and Dee to look after him. I am looking forward to the journey, but this is the beginning for Conor, Dee, Paul and myself.”
