Michael Conlan eyes future fight with Carl Frampton after turning professional

Michael Conlan says he would love to fight his fellow Belfast man and world featherweight champion Carl Frampton in the future after announcing his decision to turn professional.

London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Conlan, 24, has opted to turn pro after signing a deal with the American-based Top Rank organisation run by Bob Arum.

"Carl is probably Ireland's greatest fighter ever at the minute. I want to surpass that obviously," said Conlan, whose amateur career ended on a sour note as he suffered a controversial quarter-final defeat at the recent Olympics.

"He's someone I would love to fight. His style is a great style. I know ways I could beat it so obviously I want to fight him.

"That's miles from me at the minute but hopefully one day it happens."

Frampton, 29, became the first Northern Ireland fighter to win a world title in two weight divisions when he outpointed the previously unbeaten Leo Santa Cruz in July.