Jason Quigley says he would to represent Ireland at the Olympics if it’s possible.
EXCLUSIVE: Donegal boxing sensation Jason Quigley has exclusively revealed to Donegal Daily that he would be interested in representing Ireland at the forthcoming Olympic Games – should the opportunity present itself.
A proposal allowing professional fighters to compete at the Olympic Games has been tabled, and has sparked huge debate in the boxing industry over the last 48 hours.
Quigley only learned of the controversial developments yesterday via Twitter, and said that it’s always been a dream of his to become an Olympic champion, and that he’d love to represent Ireland at the Olympics if it’s possible.
In an exclusive interview to Donegal Daily, Quigley said, “It’s always been a dream of mine to be an Olympic Champion, as well as being a Professional World Champion, so if I got a second chance at it, it’s something I’d seriously consider.
“Obviously it’s early days as to whether or not professionals can compete at the Olympics, but if it does get the green light, then I would be really, really interested.
“Being an Olympic Champion has always been a dream of mine, but when the opportunity to turn professional with Golden Boy Promotions presented itself, it was too good to turn down.
“When I found out yesterday through Twitter, that they may allow professionals to compete at the Olympics, it got me excited, as I said it’s always been a dream for me to represent Ireland at the Olympics, and if I could do that then it would be unreal.”
Quigley has made a sensational start to life as a professional boxer under the fabled Golden Boy Promotions stable, and has won all eleven of his professional contests.
He’s quickly making a name for himself stateside, but the Irish public would love nothing more than to see Quigley fight for Ireland in Brazil.
However, there are plenty of obstacles before than could happen, and Quigley would have to get the go ahead from his employers to compete at the Olympics.
Quigley who jets back out to the USA tomorrow, said he won’t be rushed into a decision, and will make a decison over the next week or so as to what he’ll do.
“As I’ve said, I’d love to it, if it’s possible, but even if it is possible, I’ve got to get the go ahead from my employers, so there’s plenty to weigh up, but I’ll not rush into anything, and I’ll think about it over the next week or so.”
Quigley reckons professionals would be at a disadvantage if he where to be allowed to compete in Rio in September.
“It would be massively difficult, the advantage I’d have is that I’m not too long out of the amateur game, but if you were a professional for a long time, then it would be hugely difficult.
“There are vast differences, and preparing for 3 rounds at 3 minutes is difficult when you’ve been in the pro game, and also you bulk up in the pro game and then scale down, while at amateur level it’s the opposite, so professionals would be at a disadvantage.
“However, I would love to fight for Ireland at the Olympics, and if it’s possible then we’ll see, it’s always been a dream of mine.”
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