John Paul Hale Ready to Begin Professional Journey with Michael Conlan's Support
John Paul Hale Steps Into Professional Boxing Under Michael Conlan's Guidance
Belfast's own John Paul Hale has decided to leave behind his amateur career and start fresh in professional boxing, guided by former pro Michael Conlan. At 25 years old, Hale feels he has achieved all he could as an amateur and now wants to take the next step.
Hale, an Irish Elite champion from 2021, boasts six Ulster titles and represented Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in both 2022 and 2026. His final amateur fight ended in a disappointing loss to England's Patris Mughalzai during the opening round of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Despite having beaten Mughalzai before, Hale was penalized two points while his opponent received only one, leading to a frustrating exit.
"It’s strange because this was the first time I wasn’t upset with myself," Hale told BBC Sport NI. "I had worked so hard and beaten him before. The referee was letting me work last time, but this time it felt like the decisions went against me."
He expressed frustration with the officiating, hinting that the subjective nature of judging in amateur boxing still causes problems. Hale showed his displeasure openly, making a gesture reminiscent of what his new manager Michael Conlan did after a controversial Olympic loss in 2016.
Old Problems in Amateur Boxing Persist
The controversy surrounding Conlan’s defeat at the 2016 Olympics contributed to changes in amateur boxing’s governing bodies, moving from AIBA to World Boxing under IOC approval. Even so, Hale believes some issues remain unresolved.
"I don’t think much has changed," Hale said. "Judges seem to favor aggressive fighters, but that didn’t happen for me. Elite-level fighters have different styles, and there’s no clear way to decide who should win."
He pointed out examples like Jude Gallagher’s questionable decisions at the Commonwealth Games, noting others, including Scottish fighters, were also affected unfairly.
Turning Pro with Conlan’s Expertise
Although Hale once considered staying amateur to aim for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, he chose to turn professional now rather than look back with regrets. With Michael Conlan, a former amateur world champion and two-time pro title challenger, supporting him, Hale is optimistic about his future.
"Having Conlan with me is amazing because he knows a lot about professional boxing," Hale said. "His knowledge is a big boost."
Hale will fight initially as a welterweight and remain loyal to his roots at Star ABC in Belfast’s New Lodge area. His pro debut is set for November 27 at The Devenish in Belfast, a venue famous for launching careers like current world super-featherweight champion Anthony Cacace and former world title contender James Tennyson.
"If I perform well, bigger venues will come," Hale said. "I want to start small and build myself up. Being an underdog suits me better than jumping in too fast and getting overwhelmed."
He expects many fans who followed his amateur days to come out and support him on his first professional night.
Recent Results and Upcoming Events in Boxing 2026
- Amateur Achievements: Irish Elite Champion (2021), six Ulster titles
- Commonwealth Games: Competed in 2022 and 2026
- Professional Debut: Scheduled for November 27, 2026, at The Devenish, Belfast
- Weight Class: Welterweight
