MICHAEL CONLAN was knocked out by a brutal uppercut from Luis Alberto Lopez in the fifth round as the Mexican retains the IBF featherweight title.
The Irishman had the home advantage this evening but failed to succeed in his quest to become world champion.
Lopez successfully defended his featherweight title for the first time since becoming champion.
- Result: Lopez def. Conlan (KO5)
- TV Channel: BT Sport 1
- Live stream: BT Sport app
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
Stay up to date with all the action from the SSE Arena…
Report
Mick Conlan suffered a devastating loss to Luis Alberto Lopez in Belfast tonight.
Champion Lopez knocked out Conlan in the fifth as he retained the IBF World featherweight title in front of boisterous SSE Arena crowd.
The Falls Road man’s came out to a rapturous reception from the Belfast crowd but it wasn’t to be in his second attempt to win a world title.
And the hometown hero came out pumped on the attack as the opening round started at a furious pace.
Both landed crisp shots on one another as they varied their offence with solid jabs and body shots with both men having their moments in a close opener.
The SSE Arena erupted in the second round as Conlan fought superbly off the front foot, and landed a huge overhand right as he pilled the pressure on Lopez.
In the third round, the 31-year-old 2012 Olympic bronze medal winner ate a huge right uppercut, followed by a left hook that staggered him badly with 60 seconds left in the the third round as the Mexican upped the pace.
But somehow Conlan managed to survive the round despite being on rubbery legs after some huge shots.
The superb and powerful Lopez proceeded to up the tone as he planted more shots on the Irishman in the forth round, landing some huge shots with a varied repertoire.
29-year-old Lopez took the forth as he came more and more into the fight with Conlan struggling badly as his face swelled up.
The Mexicali ace clearly sniffed a finish as his precise strikes constantly found a home, and like that it was over as the champion ended the fight at 1:14 of the fifth round.
Lopez planted a huge shot on Conlan as the Belfast man crashed to the canvas.
Immediately after the devastating right-uppercut landed, Conlan’s coach Adam Booth threw in the towel as the fight was waived off.
Mexico now hold a 10-2 advantage over Irish fighters in world title bouts after Lopez retained his crown.
It’s a huge blow from the 2012 Olympian as he lost out in his previous world title attempt after being knocked out by Leigh Wood in Nottingham last year.
No Joshing
Josh Warrington has called for a rematch with Lopez.
He tweeted: “I’d f****g love to run it back with Lopez… I hope Mick is ok.”
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Conlan vs Lopez
Michael Conlan’s homecoming world title challenge ends in heartache as he’s knocked out in round five.
A right uppercut put the Northern Irishman down and Adam Booth was quick to throw the towel in.
Luis Alberto Lopez retains his title in another win following his victory over Josh Warrington.
Credit: Sportsfile
Conlan vs Lopez
CONLAN IS KNOCKED OUT!
A big right uppercut put Conlan flat on his back and trainer Adam Booth was quick to throw the towel in.
Brutal stoppage and Lopez retains his title, with Conlan suffering his second KO loss.
Conlan vs Lopez
Big round for the champion Lopez, who had Conlan hurt.
A couple of big shots, the uppercut and hook most notably, had Conlan staggered but the challenger survived the onslaught.
Let’s see how Conlan responds after weathering the storm.
Conlan vs Lopez
Cracking start to the fight, with both men finding success.
Conlan boxing largely out of the southpaw stance let off some fast combinations go.
But Lopez refused to let up and also came back fighting. Tight round to score.
On there way
Michael Conlan is now making his way to the ring.
Not long to go until the Olympian challenges for the world title in front of his home crowd.
Final touches
Michael Conlan pictured putting the final touches into his preparation before the night’s headline act.
Ringwalks were due for 9pm to prevent a clash with Leigh Wood and Lawrence Okolie’s title fight but we’re an hour behind schedule.
It is due to medical staff tending to Ludumo Lamati, who was injured and stretchered out after being stopped by Nick Ball in the co-headliner.
Main event NEXT
Michael Conlan challenges for Luis Alberto Lopez’s IBF featherweight title NEXT.
Lopez won the title in an upset against Leeds’ Josh Warrington in December.
Conlan was beaten by Leigh Wood – also fighting tonight – in March 2022 but he has bounced back with two wins since.
Credit: Rex
Ball over
Nick Ball has won in the 12th and final round after a brutal onslaught that left Ludumo Lamati collapsed.
Ball came on strong, bullying Lamati back to the ropes and throwing a barrage of punches.
Lamati’s corner threw in the towel after the boxer collapsed and he is now being treated to.
Credit: Sportsfile Ball to play for
Nick Ball is in charge after nine rounds gone.
At the moment, he’s on course for a points win and already the Irish fans are making themselves heard.
Michael Conlan in the ring next.
Credit: Sportsfile Ty-me to fight
Tyson Fury’s promoter has confirmed an offer has been made to fight Anthony Joshua.
It is the latest twist in a long-running saga involving the heavyweight pair.
The Gypsy King revealed he had sent AJ an offer for the overdue fight that fell through most recently when targeted for December last year.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn pushed back against the claim but Fury’s promoter George Warren has now confirmed an offer has been sent.
He released a statement for Queensberry Promotions saying: “Spoke with Tyson on Monday, obviously on the back of knowing that Usyk vs Wilder was going to be happening and we were preparing a bid.
“The question was put to us; what fights are out there, what are the biggest fights we can make?
“AJ’s name came up in that conversation of course it would, it’s a huge fight. And the instruction was clear – go and try and make that fight.
“The following morning we put an email over to Eddie [Hearn]. Made a formal offer, same terms as for December. So exactly the same terms as far as we’re concerned.
“We’re ready to go, Tyson wants it to happen, so do we and I hope they do too.”
Ball to prove
Featherweight prospect Nick Ball returns next against South African Ludumo Lamati.
Ball is currently 17-0 with 10 KOs and fancies the winner of tonight’s main event.
He said: “That is the place I am going, the level I am going, which is world leve.
“If I get the opportunity to fight the winner I will take it with both hands.
“I’m made up, it is a good card to be on, with it being a world title at my weight.
“Although obviously I am concentrating on my fight, putting a good performance in and trying to steal the show.”
Credit: Jamie McPhilimey Ant messing
Anthony Cacace moves to 21-1 with victory over Damian Wrzesinski.
The southpaw super-featherweight took victory over 12 rounds to retain the IBO title.
Credit: Sportsfile Ty faker
Tyson Fury has NOT sent Anthony Joshua a contract for a September fight.
The 34-year-old WBC Gypsy King has been in Australia promising a couple of fights with unknowns Down Under.
And he has now claimed he has sent 33-year-old AJ an offer for the overdue fight that fell through most recently when targeted for December 3.
AJ promoter Eddie Hearn has the O2 booked for August 12 and is working on a December clash with Deontay Wilder in Saudi and – while he has spoken to Fury matchmaker George Warren – Fury has not made a firm offer.
Hearn said: “I don’t want to ruffle anyone’s feathers but I don’t want someone making Anthony Joshua look bad for no reason.”
Credit: EPA
Fight night
Michael Conlan returns in Belfast to challenge for the IBF featherweight world title.
Conlan was knocked out by Leigh Wood for the WBA “regular” title last year but has won two fights since.
And he will tonight challenge for the full world title against Luis Alberto Lopez, who beat Josh Warrington in December.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
