Boxing • FT
Northern IrelandSeason 2026Round 30
Kevin Walsh pulled off a massive upset in Belfast, defeating Michael Conlan via a split decision to claim the WBC International featherweight title. The strategic narrative was defined by a cagey and often "turgid" contest where neither fighter was able to consistently dominate.
The primary hurdle for Conlan appeared early in the first round when a clash of heads opened a significant cut on his forehead, which bled periodically throughout the match and seemed to hinder his rhythm. Tactically, Conlan found success in the middle rounds by switching to southpaw and targeting Walsh's body, but he struggled to sustain his output.
Walsh, while often hesitant, did enough in the eyes of two judges by landing the cleaner, albeit infrequent, power shots in the closing moments of several rounds. The judges scored the bout 97-93 for Conlan and 96-94 twice for Walsh.
Following the "shock decision," an emotional Michael Conlan announced his retirement in the center of the ring, stating it was "time to go home" after a storied career.