Michael Conlan has made it five wins out of five in professional boxing.
The Belfast native defeated Luis Fernando Molina via a unanimous points decision after six rounds in the Madison Square Garden Theater, New York on Saturday night.
Never in doubt @mickconlan11 !!! 5-0 and hunting down a title shot 👊👊 Great performance @TheGarden @boxnationtv #TeamSuitor #SuitorBros #Proud #TheConlanRevolution pic.twitter.com/e5CMep2S74
— Chris Suitor GGG – SuitorBros (@SuitorBrothers) December 10, 2017
Conlan’s bout featured on the undercard of Vasly Lomachenko’s triumph over Guilermo Rigondeaux in their world super-featherweight title clash.
The 26-year-old has a special connection with the downstairs Theater venue at The Garden, having made his debut at the same setting on St. Patrick’s day last year when he overcame Tim Ibarra to cacophony of noise from Irish supporters.
Conlan generated a carnival atmosphere on that occasion, though it must be said his performance was more polished and measured 7 months on.
This dominance led him to a comprehensive 60-54 victory on all three judges’ scorecards over his Argentine opponent.
Congrats @mickconlan11 great win tonight , onwards and upwards great performance 🥊🇮🇪
— Jason Quigley (@jay_quigley) December 10, 2017
The former World Amateur Champion flew out of the blocks in Round One, connecting with a series of swift and effective left jabs.
His sharp, zippy movement overwhelmed Molina, who was unable to come to terms with the Falls Road fighter’s wide-ranging and thoroughly versatile arsenal of boxing skills.
That devastating left hand uppercut at the end of this footage was the type of punch that wore out his opponent.
https://twitter.com/ZPGIFs/status/939699739301416960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.punditarena.com%2Fboxing%2Fsraftery%2Fmichael-conlan-3%2F
That’s the best thing about Conlan. He can fight orthodox, he can fight southpaw, he can fight anyway, and he’ll always be gritty and tough.
Molina was unable to match him on Saturday night, and when Conlan danced over to his corner at the end of the third round, it was a clear sign this fight was over bar the shouting.
This was the first time in his five professional bouts that the victory didn’t come via knockout, but an ability to stay the distance at his ease will stand him in good stead going forward.
In the aftermath, Conlan confirmed big plans for the future, with a St. Patrick’s night fight on his agenda.
The Fighting Pride of Eíre has returned!
(Photo: Dave Saffran/ MSG Photos) #MickConlan #LomaRigo pic.twitter.com/vsfoIBa7SR
— MSG (@TheGarden) December 10, 2017
For now, he’s just going to enjoy a well earned rest over Christmas and bask in the glory of a 5-0 professional year.
