Michael Conlan bounced back from his first career defeat, as he would score a wide points decision over the tough Miguel Marriaga in his hometown of Belfast.
Conlan entered the arena to a cacophony of noise, as the Belfast crowd came out in force to support their boxing hero. Conlan implemented his slick style from the get-go, causing Marriaga all sorts of problems as Marriaga struggled to get his footwork in a fluid rhythm.
.@mickconlan11 is showing off his improved defense early on ???? #ConlanMarriaga pic.twitter.com/nhvoKzmxJq
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Conlan dominated every round, but he would first send Marriaga to the canvas in round seven. It seemed as if it was a slip from Marriaga and the Colombian man also appealed it. The same would happen a round later, but this time the knockdown was supported by a body shot.
Marriaga touches the canvas again ????#ConlanMarriaga | LIVE on @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/fvZi4H9GZK
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Round nine saw Marriaga touch down for the third time. Conlan landed a left hand, forcing Marriaga to dip and touch the canvas with his gloves, which deems it a knockdown. Marriaga sprung into life in round ten as he probably realised he was behind on the cards. Marriaga came out firing and showed he still carried his power into the final round, as he even seemed to buzz Conlan. Conlan would survive the round and didn't look too damaged by the end of the round.
The pair embraced as the bell rung at the end of the tenth, with everyone almost certain that Conlan had picked up the victory. Conlan's victory would be confirmed as the scorecards read 99-88,98-88 and 99-89 all in favour of the Belfast man. Conlan is back to winning ways and has overcome any demons that may have been haunting him after his loss to Leigh Wood earlier in the year. Conlan now hopes to get back into the world title picture, with a rematch with Wood high on the priority list.