Two-time Olympic featherweight Michael "Mick" Conlan (17-1, 8 KOs) outboxed a three-time contender for the world title Miguel Marriago (30-6, 26 KOs) in the main event on Saturday evening at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Coming back from a brutal knockout loss to WBA featherweight champion Lee Wood, the faster Conlan kept the powerful puncher Marriaga out of range, who spent much of the evening slicing through the air. Conlan was credited with dubious knockdowns in the seventh and eighth rounds and one full-fledged one when Marriaga's glove touched the floor of the ring. Marriaga looked good in the tenth round, but it was too late. Judging score: twice 99-88 and 99-89.
“I had to get rid of a lot of demons tonight,” Conlan said after the fight. “Even in the last fucking round, he was able to hit me. This guy knows how to hit. He has 10 more knockouts than me fights. He hit me with a jab in the first round and I was like, "Oh, this guy can really hit." I had to be careful and use my technique, which I did. In the last round, he hit me well. The whole fight I was moving, although I was a little lacking in speed. He constantly went forward, tried to lock me in a corner, and he has a strong blow. I felt it, and for me to get through this, and this last round... I was knocked out in my last fight in the last round. I think that says a lot. But I have returned, and I am ready for any of the possible opponents.
“Obviously I want a rematch with Lee Wood. It is obvious. But Lee has his own situation. So, I hope he will cope with his problems, and our revenge will take place. If not, then it could be any other champion. I want to come back. I will become a world champion, and I know that I will become one. Whoever I face, I know I will beat him,” Conlan added.
