Michael Conlan got himself back to winning ways, with a straight forward unanimous decision win over Miguel Marriaga at the SSE Arena in Belfast. Conlan, who got the win 99-89 and 99-98 twice on the cards, improves to 17-1, with 8KOs, whilst Marriaga slips to 30-6, 26KO’s.
It was Conlan’s first fight since his devastating defeat at the hands of Leigh Wood back in March, which saw his hopes of becoming world champion literally tumble away. It was a tentative first round with little of note happening. It was much the same in the second, with Conlan landing with the better shots, whilst Marriaga struggled to land anything other than a glancing left hand on the Belfast man.
Conlan got through with the right hand in the third and looked very comfortable, as there was very little coming back from Marriaga. The Colombian came forward more in the fourth, but played into Conlan’s hands, as he picked him off. Conlan also started to work the body more, as he looked to be stepping up the intensity.
However, there was no need to pick it up a gear, as he was in cruise control. It was a disciplined performance from Conlan, who was able to work at his own pace. Marriaga was still coming forward, as they entered the fifth, but he was enjoying minimal success.
Conlan had an answer for everything Marriaga threw his way. The Colombian was down in the seventh after he was cuffed with a right hand round the back of the head followed by a sharp left hand and now he was well and truly desperate. He came forward, following Conlan around the ring, making it easy for the former Olympic hero.
First knockdown scored for @MickConlan11 💪#ConlanMarriagapic.twitter.com/HmxqcFior5
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) August 6, 2022
Conlan, sensing an early finish, now switched to that extra gear and once again had Marriaga down in the eighth, after a swift flurry. Another left in the ninth, caused Marriaga to touch down, aided by a slip, and the crowd roared on their hero.
Marriaga touches the canvas again 👀#ConlanMarriaga | LIVE on @ESPNPluspic.twitter.com/fvZi4H9GZK
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) August 6, 2022
Marriaga decided to try and rough Conlan up in the final round, throwing Conlan to the canvas. It proved far too little, too late for Marriaga and Conlan came through the contest relatively unscathed and will now once again turn his attention towards a future world title tilt.
Earlier in the evening, Tyrone McKenna was handed a fortunate decision victory over Chris Jenkins, after a thoroughly entertaining 10 round battle. The two went back-and-forth, with neither taking a backwards step. Jenkins appeared to have done enough, but all three judges gave it to the local man.
Kieran Molloy and Kurt Walker continued their fledgling careers with victories, whilst Padraig McCrory went into seek and destroy mode to take out Marco Antonio Periban. Paddy Donovan was also victorious and maintained his unbeaten record with an eight round points at the expense of Tom Hill.