Michael Conlan suffered a shock loss in Belfast today. Jordan Gill has stopped one of Irish boxing’s great promotions in his hometown. The English fighter knocked Conlan down in the second round, but made it to the third despite struggling. He did fight back, but just when it seemed like he was gaining control, he got hurt again and stopped. Referee Howard Foster had to step in and stop the fight in the seventh round, sending the packed SSE into silence. Considering it was win or lose for the Irish star, it remains to be seen what he will do next. The loss is Conlan’s third and third by suspension, which at least means he faces a long recovery. Conlan started to impress with his kick and a nice variation inside three minutes. However, he took the right hand that was on the clock as a warning. A left hook dropped the Olympic medalist early in the second period and he looked to be going when a right hand landed cleanly a minute later. Fighting for his career, the Belfast favorite found his feet and struck in the final 20 seconds, although another backhand sent him to the corner on shaky legs. The Irish fighter tried to keep it simple as he tried to get back into the fight in the third round and his vaunted skills were on display as he landed some nice right hands and classy body shots.
However, he had to show real courage again when “The Thrill” right-hander along with Leigh Wood landed at the post. Ireland’s only world amateur gold medalist forced Gill to step up and take fourth with an aggressive start. Gill responded and looked strong, but Conlan landed the big shots better and his superior skills looked to be enough to win the round. A left hook as Conlan switched back to the southpaw saw the Irish fighter stumble back at the start of the next stanza. The home fighter’s skills then took over and he landed shots from a distance where he looked invincible.
Belfast, UK – December 3: Michael Conlan v Jordan Gill, WBA Universal Super Featherweight Title. 3 December 2023 Picture By Stamp Robinson Matchroom Boxing Jordan Gill wins as he stops Michael Conlan in 7th round After romping from his corner Gill came out forcefully within the 6th and landed clean and huge on the Belfast man. However fair when it looked like he was almost to retake control battled back and wrapped up a brilliant round. By that arrange, it looked like he was numb to the control, but it was all over within the seventh. A cleared out hand from Gill hardened Conlan’s legs and The Excite went for the slaughter, driving Howard Cultivate to bounce in.