The fight community reacted with almost universal condemnation towards the AIBA’s decision to allow professional boxers to compete at the Olympics this year.
But one Irish fighter who seems eager to take advantage of the rule change is undefeated Donegal pro Jason Quigley.
Quigley, 11-0, has gone on a tear since turning professional in 2014 but the 25-year-old wants to take advantage of the chance to secure the Olympic glory that he thought had eluded him.
The former European champion was destined for Olympic success but made the leap into the professional arena where he has been perfect.
Now he has the chance to compete at Rio 2016 and he’s admitted that he thinks he’d be “the perfect candidate,” for Team Ireland.
“To be honest, I think I’d be the perfect candidate to go to the Olympics because I haven’t been a pro for too long,” Quigley told The Star.
“Amateur boxing isn’t out of my system. I have a lot of experience as an amateur and I’d have fought and sparred with a lot of the guys that will be in Rio. Look at the Ireland team. Me and Mick (Conlan) and Paddy (Barnes) were together for years. It’s all very familiar to me.”
Quigley reiterated his openness to the idea of competing against amateurs this August but claimed it would take some consideration with his team before a concrete decision could be made.
He said: “I’d think about it, definitely. I’d have to talk with my team and have a think about it. I’m always in shape and I’m always ready. It’s just a matter of making the decision.”
