Michael begins by reflecting on the immediate aftermath of his highly controversial exit from the 2016 Olympics. Following this pivotal moment, he shifted his focus to professional boxing, opting to partner with Top Rank promotions in the United States. Michael discusses the process of relocating with his family to the U.S. and recounts his early successes in the professional arena. It wasn’t long before he found himself headlining St. Patrick’s Day events at Madison Square Garden in New York, captivating a large Irish audience. He opens up about the significant backlash he faced back home, stemming from the controversy surrounding his ring entrance music, and how some of the public's perception of him does not reflect his true character. Our conversation delves into notable bouts from his pro career, including a gratifying victory over his 2016 Olympic rival, Vladimir Nikitin, at MSG. He also secured both WBO and WBA continental titles, including a great win against former world champion TJ Doheny at Falls Park in 2021. This then positioned Michael for that much-anticipated shot at the world title against Leigh Wood in 2022. The matchup was unforgettable and Fight of the Year, but the last round defeat was the first setback in Michael's pro career. After some good wins, back-to-back defeats against Luis Alberto Lopez and Jordan Gill, Michael took a break from the ring for over a year to regroup. During this hiatus, he remained active, discovering a new passion for running and successfully completed a marathon in under three hours—a challenge he set for himself and accomplished. However, the call of boxing was undeniable, and following a 15-month absence, a recent victory has set him back on the right path. Michael continues to harbor ambitions of capturing that elusive world title, with the final chapter of his professional career yet to be written.