In a thrilling bout that left Belfast’s Michael Conlan and his home crowd in disbelief, England’s Jordan Gill delivered a stunning performance, stopping Conlan in the seventh round at the SSE Arena. This marked Conlan’s third professional loss and undoubtedly one of the most crushing moments of his career.
The fight took an unexpected turn in the second round when Gill connected with a powerful left and a follow-up right, sending Conlan to the canvas. Conlan struggled to regain his footing, and the referee initiated a count of eight, emphasizing the impact of Gill’s punches.
For several rounds following this knockdown, Conlan found himself trying to regain his rhythm, but Gill’s relentless pressure continued. With just a minute and 45 seconds remaining in the seventh round, Gill trapped Conlan in the corner and unleashed a series of punishing left and right punches. The referee, Howard Foster, had no choice but to stop the fight, sealing Conlan’s fate.
This defeat came as a significant setback for Conlan, who had been looking to rebound from a previous world-title bid loss against Luis Alberto Lopez in May. That bout ended in a fifth-round stoppage, and it seemed Conlan’s fortunes were on the decline. Furthermore, his first world-title bid ended in disappointment when he was knocked out of the ring by England’s Leigh Wood.
Conlan’s journey to this fight had seen him switch trainers, moving from Adam Booth to Pedro Diaz, a 61-year-old Cuban based in Florida. Conlan had expressed his satisfaction with working with Diaz in the lead-up to the match. His hope was that a victory against Gill would put him back on the path toward a third world-title attempt, but this defeat has raised doubts about his future in the sport.
Before this loss, Conlan had an unblemished professional record, but the move up to super-featherweight appeared to favor Gill, who demonstrated his dominance throughout the contest.
The SSE Arena in Belfast was filled with anticipation as the fighters entered the ring, and the first round was a cautious one, with both fighters sizing each other up. However, the intensity escalated in the second round as Gill landed a powerful left followed by a right, knocking Conlan down. The count of eight was a clear indication of the damage inflicted on Conlan.
Despite a slip by Gill in the third round and a resilient uppercut and left hook from Conlan, Gill maintained control. Conlan began to show some signs of improvement in the fourth round, finding his rhythm with a solid jab and landing effective combinations. Yet, Gill remained composed.
Conlan’s movement became more fluid in the fifth round, and in the sixth, he produced his best sequence, landing strong punches from both sides and momentarily shaking Gill. However, Gill quickly regained his composure, ensuring that the seventh round would be the final chapter of the fight, potentially marking the end of Conlan’s professional career.
In a night filled with thrilling bouts at the SSE Arena, Lewis Crocker emerged victorious in the ‘Battle of Belfast,’ defeating Tyrone McKenna for the WBA Continental Europe Welterweight title. The arena was electrified as Crocker displayed his prowess in the ring, securing a unanimous points victory.
Before Crocker’s triumph, Belfast’s own Caomhin Agyarko secured a significant win against Troy Williamson. Sean McComb, another Belfast super-lightweight, earned a dominant unanimous decision win over Sam Maxwell, further solidifying his impressive record.
Fearghus Quinn maintained his unbeaten record with a victory over Angel Emilov, while an entertaining clash between Ruadhan Farrell and Gerard Hughes ended in a draw. Leli Buttigieg made a memorable pro debut with a first-round stoppage win, and Cameron Vuong improved his record to 3-0 with a fourth-round stoppage against Michael Dufek.
It was a night filled with drama, upsets, and exceptional performances, leaving the audience at the SSE Arena buzzing with excitement. Jordan Gill’s victory over Michael Conlan will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most memorable moments in the world of sports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Boxing Upset
Q: What was the outcome of the boxing match between Michael Conlan and Jordan Gill?
A: Jordan Gill delivered a stunning performance, stopping Michael Conlan in the seventh round at the SSE Arena. This marked Conlan’s third professional loss, and Gill’s relentless pressure led to the fight’s dramatic conclusion.
Q: Was this a significant setback for Michael Conlan’s career?
A: Yes, this defeat was a significant setback for Michael Conlan. He had been looking to rebound from a previous world-title bid loss in May and had switched trainers. This loss has raised doubts about his future in the sport.
Q: Who were the other notable fighters and matches on the card at the SSE Arena that night?
A: The event at the SSE Arena featured several notable fights. Lewis Crocker emerged victorious in the ‘Battle of Belfast’ against Tyrone McKenna for the WBA Continental Europe Welterweight title. Other Belfast fighters, such as Caomhin Agyarko and Sean McComb, also secured important wins.
Q: What was the atmosphere like at the SSE Arena during the fights?
A: The SSE Arena was filled with anticipation and excitement as fans eagerly awaited the matches. The audience witnessed thrilling bouts and exceptional performances, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Q: How did Jordan Gill manage to secure the victory against Michael Conlan?
A: Jordan Gill’s victory was secured through relentless pressure and a barrage of punches. He knocked Conlan down in the second round and maintained control throughout the fight, ultimately stopping Conlan in the seventh round with a series of powerful left and right punches.
Q: What does this upset victory mean for Jordan Gill’s career in boxing?
A: Jordan Gill’s victory over Michael Conlan is a significant milestone in his boxing career. It establishes him as a formidable contender and opens up new opportunities for him in the world of professional boxing.
More about Boxing Upset
- BBC Sport – Michael Conlan v Jordan Gill: England’s Gill stops Belfast fighter Conlan in seventh round
- SSE Arena Belfast
- Jordan Gill – BoxRec
- Michael Conlan – BoxRec
- Lewis Crocker – BoxRec
- Tyrone McKenna – BoxRec
- Caomhin Agyarko – BoxRec
- Sean McComb – BoxRec
- WBA Continental Europe Welterweight title – BoxRec
- Pedro Diaz – BoxRec
- Luis Alberto Lopez – BoxRec
- Leigh Wood – BoxRec
