Michael Conlan Bids Adieu to Boxing

The recent Michael Conlan (20-4, 10 KOs) vs Kevin Walsh (20-0, 10 KOs) showdown saw the latter win via split decision. For Conlan, the loss didn’t just cost him the WBC International featherweight title; it made him lose the drive to further pursue the sport that made him a household name.

In an emotional statement from the dressing room, Conlan said that his defeat has become a major proponent for him to leave boxing at 34.

“It’s the end of the road for me. I said the next defeat, no matter the situation, no matter the circumstances, that would be me finishing boxing. And it has come. I didn’t think I lost, but it wasn’t good enough. And that’s a simple fact. Thirty-four, probably too long in the tooth,” he said.

Conlan vs Walsh turned out to be a tight, tactical fight rather than an all-out punch galore. The Belfast native started sharp in the early rounds, using his footwork, jab, and cleaner combinations to control distance and pick Walsh off.

However, the tide quickly turned as Walsh began to close the gap, applying increasing pressure. The middle rounds were especially competitive, with Walsh landing the heavier shots and doing enough to disrupt Conlan’s rhythm. In the end, this pressure and grit seemed to sway the judges in a split decision.

While Conlan believes that he won, the loss has pushed him far enough to bid goodbye to the sport.

“I thought I won, but it is what it is. I don’t want to do it anymore. It’s time to say goodbye to boxing,” he said.

“His Time’s Up”

Walsh, while appreciative of Conlan’s skills and his performance during the fight, wholeheartedly accepted the judges’ decision. Talking after the fight, he didn’t mince words when he announced that it was the end of the road for his opponent.

“I was very confident I got the job done, to be honest. I mean, it was definitely a close fight. Shout out to Mick Conlan. I’ve always been a fan of him, but I knew I got the job done. It was hard for him to figure me out, honestly. He’s a hell of a fighter, but his time’s up, baby,” he said.

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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