Featherweight contender Michael Conlan has decided to train under veteran Cuban coach Pedro Diaz, who works out of Florida.
Diaz is known for his work with Guillermo Rigondeaux, Filip Hrgovic, Miguel Cotto, Alexis Angulo and others.
Conlan recently parted way with trainer Adam Booth.
Back in May, Conlan was knocked out in five rounds by IBF world champion Luis Alberto Lopez. It was Conlan’s second crack at a world title. He suffered a dramatic twelfth round knockout loss to WBA champion Leigh Wood in March of 2022.
The Irish Olympian tested out several trainers, but it was Diaz who was viewed as the best option.
“We went to a few gyms and met a few coaches but Pedro stood out – he ticked all the boxes. He is very technical and he impressed us at different levels: His knowledge, his experience… They gelled well, they worked really well so it’s a very, very exciting collaboration,” brother and manager, Jamie Conlan, told Irish News.
“Pedro has rebuilt fighters – he did it with Cotto to beat (Antonio) Margarito in the rematch and to fight Mayweather but we went with him because him and Michael are on the same wavelength, they think the same about how to approach a fight.
“He was very impressive and I think it’s a breath of fresh air. I think he can help Michael improve and learn and hopefully get over that last hurdle. He identified strengths and weaknesses in Michael – he saw things in Michael that he thinks will be able to make him a world champion.”