In 2022, Irish Olympian Michael Conlan seemed to be on the verge of winning the WBA featherweight title, when he was dropped on the eleventh round, and then knocked out cold in the twelfth by Leigh Wood.
Conlan bounced back by winning his next two fights in dominant fashion to secure another world title fight.
On Saturday night in Belfast, Conlan challenged newly crowned IBF featherweight champion Luis Alberto Lopez.
Despite a good start, Conlan was unable to maintain his form. Lopez began to chip away with his hard shots as the fight progressed.
In the fifth round, Lopez landed a huge uppercut that put Conlan down and out. The towel quickly came in and Conlan received immediate medical attention.
After two failed title shots, the 31-year-old Conlan is going to take some time away to evaluate his future options in the sport. Conlan's older brother, 36-year-old Jamie, retired in 2017 after a failed world title bid.
“I’m good folks. Wasn’t at the races tonight, couldn’t seem to get going and paid the price for it. Congratulations to Venado Lopez on a great performance. I wish you all the best in the future champion. Thank you for the opportunity," Conlan stated to social media.
"Thanks to everyone who reached out and wished me luck. I can’t get back to you all but I appreciate it! I’m gonna take some time away from social media now to enjoy my family and decide what the next steps for me are. Again thank you Belfast for an amazing atmosphere and turn out tonight! Love MC X.”
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