Michael Conlan ‘devastated’ to miss annual St. Patrick’s Day fight in New York

Featherweight prospect Michael Conlan, a Belfast native, turned pro on St. Patrick’s Day at what is now known as Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in 2017, and he fought at the same venue on the same date in 2018 and 2019, too.

Conlan at the Hulu on St. Patrick’s Day has become a bit of a tradition. It didn’t matter if St. Patrick’s Day fell on a Friday or Saturday, traditional American fight nights, as it did in 2017 and 2018, or a Sunday, as it was last year. Conlan was there in action, part of the celebration of the holiday in New York.

He was scheduled to go out again last night, a rare notable Tuesday night event in American boxing. But like everything, Conlan’s fight has been postponed.

The 28-year-old Conlan (13-0, 7 KO) was set to face Colombia’s Belmar Preciado (20-2-1, 13 KO). The fight itself was no huge deal, in all candor — Preciado was not seen as any step up from recent Conlan opponents, much to the frustration of some fans — but it was still something on the schedule, and on a Tuesday, no less. And for Conlan, this has become something he does yearly.

“I’m still devastated,” Conlan said. “I’m gutted we can’t do it but I just want to give a shout out to my fans. I’m so grateful for them. They always support me.

“I’m sorry we can’t be there. I’m as gutted as you guys are. Once I know what’s happening next, I’ll let you know what the next date and fight is. Until then, I’ll be staying in the gym and staying on top of everything.”

Like everyone, Conlan has his career in a holding pattern at this point. There’s no date or time frame we have for when events will get back to normal. For now, he just hopes everyone takes care of themselves and their loved ones in a trying time.

“Please stay healthy, take care of your families and let’s get past this crazy point in time which is the coronavirus. All the best, take care.”