“In Belfast, there’s a boxing club on almost every corner… I just wanted to be like my older brothers.”

In this week’s edition of the Oxygen Advantage® podcast Patrick is delighted to welcome Irish hero, Olympic medalist and multiple time World Boxing Champion at amateur and professional level, Michael Conlan.

The Belfast native is a household name in Ireland after his medal-winning success at the London Olympics in 2012 and also for being the first Irishman to secure a boxing world championship at amateur level when he won the AIBA (Amateur International Boxing Association) bantamweight title in Doha, Qatar in 2015.

He speaks to Patrick about his life growing up, the support of his family, his boxing career and the hard work he had to put in to get to such a high level. He talks about how growing up in Northern Ireland at the tail end of the troubles and the support of his family helped shape him as a boxer and helped instil a resilience in him that remains to this day.

It is a resilience that was recognized on the world’s stage when he spoke out about the high levels of corruption in the amateur boxing world following a decision against him at the 2016 Olympics in a fight he clearly won.

This is a great sit down with a dedicated and talented athlete who speaks openly and honestly about his life and career. It is an informative and entertaining listen for anyone interested in the highs and lows of life as one of the best athletes in their field.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction – Michael’s Start in Boxing

03:29 Family Mentors

06:04 The Rosary Beads Tattoo

07:38 Boxing and Spirituality

09:36 How Boxing Helps Communities

13:17 Coaching Across Borders

15:03 The Irish and Boxing

16:58 Talent, Hard Work & Sacrifice

19:59 Advice for Kids and Life Skills

23:28 What Makes Michael Conlan Happy?

28:19 Fighting for The World Championship

31:01 Speaking Out Against Boxing Corruption

39:40 How is Amateur Boxing Now?

41:17 How Do You Handle Defeats?

45:39 Conclusion – Adversity, Adapting and Following Your Gut

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