Irish Elite Amateur s as Pros

Dick phelan

Was thinking recently about how many of our top amateur fighters have faired as pros and honestly it's noticable the lack of successful transition. John Joe Nevin, European Gold, Olympic Silver did nothing as a pro, Mick Conlan World Gold, Olympic bronze won't ever be a top pro imo, Paddy Barnes medeled at major tournaments for years did nothing as a pro, Jason Quigley World Silver and European Gold but never matched in his pro career. Joe Ward we will wait and see but I'm not too hopeful as his career seems to be moving slowly.

Andy Lee and Ryan Burnett are the only elite amateurs I thought of that we had who also translated to the pro game. Obviously others like Frampton had excellent amateur careers but never medals at Olympics or world championship. Question is why do you think so many Irish fighters who were outstanding amateurs can't do much in the pro game?

megadodge

Delighted to see that I'm not the only one on this forum who remembers Ryan Burnett.

Big Ears

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122512294#Comment_122512294

Burnett was sensational, if not for injury he could have possibly become the best fighter this island has ever produced.

Even in his short career, he probably was one of the best we've had. I was at his unification win against Zhakiyanov, great event and it seemed the sky was the limit from there.

Within about 18 months he'd had his last fight.

megadodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122587150#Comment_122587150

I was always hopeful that the injury was curable and he'd be back in the ring, but obviously not.

Such a shame. As you said, his potential was massive and I actually think he hadn't even reached his peak.

And very few Irish peopel ever even heard of him.

Donald Trump

Different games.

Also, would you not put McCullough at least in your list?

walshb

Wayne one of, if not best pros we produced the past 40 years

Dick phelan

He was indeed he slipped my mind but definitely an elite pro and amateur.