Michael Conlan: Promoter Bob Arum apologises after admitting to ‘getting a kick’ from IRA song for Irishman’s ring entrance

The veteran Top Rank chief has walked back his remarks after causing offence

Michael Conlan’s promoter Bob Arum has apologised after revealing that he “gets a kick” from the Irish fighter entering the ring to an IRA song.

The legendary promoter made the remarks after the Belfast featherweight’s victory over Vladimir Nikitin at Madison Square Garden last weekend.

“We’ll maybe play an IRA song to get everybody excited back in Ireland,” Arum said. “He’s going to do it in the theatre of Madison Square Garden and it’s during the week, St Patrick’s Day ... and the whole place will be green.

“Screw them... I just get a kick out of it, because (Conlan) got criticised last time when he came out to an IRA song.”

His comments come after Conlan was previously forced to apologise for the lyrics in his entrance music supporting the IRA.

And now the 88-year-old promoter, after being informed of the controversy surrounding his latest comments, has made a swift retraction.

“As anyone who knows me will tell you, there was nothing malicious whatsoever intended.

“I am proud to represent great fighters such as Michael Conlan and Carl Frampton and I look forward to promoting more shows with our colleagues at MTK Global in the proud city of Belfast.

“Boxing is a sport of hope that brings people together and together, we will strive to facilitate that wherever and whenever possible.”