John Paul Hale Ready to Start Professional Boxing Career with Michael Conlan’s Support
Belfast's John Paul Hale believes now is the moment to leave amateur boxing behind and step into the professional arena, guided by former pro Michael Conlan.
At 25, Hale has a solid amateur record, including the 2021 Irish Elite championship, six Ulster titles, and appearances at the 2022 and 2026 Commonwealth Games. He feels he has reached his limit in the amateur ranks and is ready for a new chapter.
A Frustrating End to Amateur Days
Hale’s final amateur fight ended in disappointment during the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he was defeated in the opening round by England's Patris Mughalzai. The loss was marked by controversial judging, with Hale receiving two points deducted compared to one against his opponent.
Boxing remains a subjective sport when it comes to refereeing, and Hale showed his frustration with a well-known gesture towards officials—something his new manager Michael Conlan famously did during the 2016 Rio Olympics after his own contentious defeat.
"It's strange because I wasn’t upset with myself this time," Hale told BBC Sport NI. "I had beaten Mughalzai before and worked hard for this. But the referee’s calls just took it away from me. It was upsetting because I knew it was my last shot at what I wanted to achieve as an amateur."
Old Problems in Amateur Boxing Persist
The controversy over judging is nothing new. Conlan’s own loss at the 2016 Olympics sparked major changes in amateur boxing governance, with the International Olympic Committee shifting approval to World Boxing instead of the former AIBA. Yet, Hale senses some of the same issues linger.
"It doesn’t feel like much has changed," he said. "Judges seemed to favor more aggressive fighters, which should have helped me, but the decisions still felt inconsistent. Different styles seem to be judged unfairly — some fighters win while moving backward, others pushing forward don’t get recognized."
He pointed to fellow boxer Jude Gallagher’s questionable decision at the Commonwealth Games as another example, noting that several fighters, including Scots, suffered poor calls.
Turning Professional with Conlan’s Guidance
Though he considered staying amateur to aim for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Hale decided against it. The chance to turn pro after an extensive amateur career—and close with a high-profile event in Glasgow—felt right.
Having Michael Conlan, a former amateur world champion and two-time professional title contender, in his corner provides confidence and expertise. Hale plans to fight initially at welterweight and will continue training at Star ABC in Belfast’s New Lodge area.
His professional debut is set for 27 November at The Devenish, a venue known for launching careers like world super-featherweight champion Anthony Cacace and former title challenger James Tennyson.
"If I do well, bigger venues and bigger nights will come," Hale said. "I prefer to start from the bottom and build up. Jumping in too fast can be overwhelming. Many top pros began on smaller shows; it's part of the journey."
Hale expects many fans who followed his amateur bouts to come out and support him as he starts his professional path.
Upcoming Boxing Schedule and Results
- Professional Debut: 27 November at The Devenish, Belfast
- Weight Class: Welterweight
- Training Camp: Star ABC, New Lodge, Belfast
