Michael Conlan has confirmed his retirement from boxing after losing to Kevin Walsh in Belfast. The split decision defeat at the SSE Arena marked the end of Conlan’s professional career. He had hoped a victory would lead to another shot at a world title.
Walsh Secures Career-Best Win
Kevin Walsh was awarded the victory with two judges scoring the bout 96-94 in his favour. One judge scored it 97-93 to Conlan. The 33-year-old Walsh, from the United States, remains undefeated with 20 wins. Conlan’s final record stands at 20-4.
Conlan had been hoping to secure a fight with WBC featherweight champion Bruce Carrington later this year. The fight with Walsh failed to ignite, with Conlan opting to box rather than brawl. While Walsh was not dominant, he did enough to secure the win.
Walsh’s victory also saw him claim the WBC International featherweight title.
Conlan’s Sombre Announcement
Conlan told reporters that the defeat marked the end of his boxing career. “I said that the next defeat, no matter the circumstances, would be me finished with boxing and it has come,” he said. “I didn’t think I lost, but I wasn’t good enough and that’s just a fact.”
Conlan acknowledged that to become a world champion, he needed to convincingly beat opponents like Walsh. “That was too close for comfort,” he admitted. “I’m 34 now, too long in the tooth, I thought I won but it is what it is. I don’t want to do it anymore so it’s time to say goodbye to boxing.”
How the Fight Unfolded
Walsh entered the ring confidently, dancing and displaying the swagger of an undefeated fighter. Despite being far from his home in Brockton, Massachusetts, he appeared comfortable in the Belfast arena. Conlan began the fight in the orthodox stance but quickly switched to southpaw.
The opening rounds were cagey. A left hand from Conlan seemed to spark Walsh into action, with the American landing right hands. A head clash in the second round caused a gash on Conlan’s forehead, leading to blood flow.
The fight remained cautious, with Conlan trying to establish his jab. The fighters briefly exchanged blows up close at the end of the round, where Walsh appeared dangerous. Walsh consistently feinted, attempting to draw Conlan into making a mistake, but the Belfast boxer remained composed.
Both fighters seemed wary of the other’s power, resulting in limited significant moments during the first half of the fight. Conlan’s footwork allowed him to evade Walsh’s attacks, but Walsh managed to work on the inside during a brief exchange in the seventh.
Although the bleeding from Conlan’s forehead had stopped, a cut by his right eye became a problem in the eighth round, giving Walsh encouragement.
End of the Road
- Conlan retires with a record of 20-4 in his pro career
- Kevin Walsh maintains his perfect record which extends to 20 victories
Michael Conlan retires with a record of 20-4 in his pro career.