Late pressure secures win as Conlan confirms retirement
Kevin Walsh (20-0, 10 KOs) defeated Michael Conlan (20-4, 10 KOs) by split decision in Belfast to win the WBC International featherweight title, with scores of 96-94 twice and 97-93. Conlan announced his retirement immediately after the fight.
Walsh started sharply, stepping forward behind straight punches and taking the opening rounds as Conlan struggled to settle. Conlan switched between southpaw and orthodox, but his timing was off early.
A clash of heads opened a cut in the center of Conlan’s forehead, leaving blood running down his face for most of the fight. A second cut followed later, forcing him to box through heavy bleeding.
The fight slowed through the middle rounds. Both fighters hesitated to commit, with Walsh landing the more consistent shots in short exchanges while Conlan tried to reset and find rhythm behind the jab.
Conlan had spells where he steadied himself and picked his shots, but he struggled to build sustained offense. Walsh continued edging rounds with small bursts, stepping in with straight shots before tying up or moving away.
In the final round, Walsh pressed forward with his most aggressive work of the fight, forcing Conlan back to the ropes and throwing combinations to close the contest strongly.
The decision split opinion, but Walsh’s late work and steadier output secured him the win and the belt.
After the fight, Conlan confirmed his retirement.
“In this last run, it was only for me. That’s why I have no shame in saying that’s enough. I did it for me and my family trying to reach the goal of being world champion. It’s not meant to be. That’s it.
“It doesn’t matter what way I was going to lose. If it was wide, if it was a robbery, it wasn’t enough to win clearly, so it’s enough to say goodbye.”
Promoter Kalle Sauerland strongly disagreed with the verdict.
“It’s times like this when you promote an event and you don’t know what to say. I’m embarrassed for the sport of boxing.”
“It baffles me what on earth they’re watching. The swing of it between the one judge and the others. I’m lost for words. It’s embarrassing.”
Walsh moves forward unbeaten and immediately called for a shot at WBC featherweight champion Bruce Carrington, while Conlan closes his career after a long run at contender level.
