Michael Conlan makes his boxing debut in New York on Saturday night against Russian fighter Vladimir Nikitin and is looking to kickstart a new career.
He shares the experience of going through depression after an injury, but also reveals how he’s prepared to relive that moment when fate presents itself again
After a stunning last-round knockout by Leigh Wood, Michael Conlan went over the ropes.
After getting knocked out in the last round of Saturday’s WBA featherweight championship fight with Leigh Wood, Michael Conlan says he is “devastated and crushed.”
Conlan was ahead on the cards entering into the 12th and final round after dropping Wood in the opening round.
Wood, on the other hand, delivered a knockdown that left Conlan unconscious for “a minute or two” after he fell over the ropes.
“‘What happened?’ I wondered as I awoke. ‘Did I fail?’ “Conlan said.
The Belfast fighter was treated ringside and carried out of Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on a stretcher amid tense scenes.
“It seemed like a dream,” the 30-year-old stated when he awoke in an ambulance on his way to the hospital.
“I was heartbroken. I was irritated, a little frustrated, and perplexed. As things began to take shape, there came a realization “He added this after suffering his first professional loss in his 17-fight career.
“I thought it was going to be my night, that it would be my night until that punch. It’s awful, but things like this happen.”
Conlan demands a rematch with Champion Leigh Wood, who has broken his heart.
Conlan was rushed to the hospital and was released “within the hour” after undergoing scans, blood tests, and an MRI.
“There is nothing to be concerned about since everything is in order. It was pleasant and quick, and when they received the results, they told me I could leave “he stated
“I was back in the hotel by 2 a.m., so it wasn’t long.” It is what it is; I am devastated, but I have been beaten, so I cannot complain.
“It was merely an unnoticed shot.” I turned my head and didn’t look – any shot that came my way I could handle, but that one caught me off guard and knocked me out.
“The ones you don’t see are the ones that cause the most havoc.”
‘I’d want a rematch.’
Conlan complimented Nottingham native Wood for his restrained jubilation while recovering from his fall, and claimed the contest, which promoter Eddie Hearn dubbed “one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history,” deserved a rematch.
“I’d want a rematch. I believe that the performance, with me ahead on the scoreboard, warrants a rematch “he said
“I believe I’ve slept for an hour.” I’ve been looking at stuff on my phone. I’d been away from social media for a while, so I was seeing everything, and there was a lot of good things.
“At the same time, I was defeated. I despise losing. For me, it’s the worst sensation in the world.”
Michael Conlan, a Belfast boxer, says he’s well following his knockout loss.
Conlan claimed he stayed up all night watching the rematch and was astonished Wood survived after being knocked out in the first round.
“I knew I was winning, and I knew I was winning when I watched it again,” he continued.
“It was a fantastic shot, and he went down like a ton of bricks.” I was astonished he got up, but he had a minute to catch his breath.
“Like I mentioned before, he has a large heart.”
“I stumbled in the 11th, which irritated me much. It’s possible that a punch was thrown at the same moment, but it was a genuine slip.
“That threw the whole strategy for Round 12 into disarray.” I was going to box and move because I thought I had no choice but to win.
“I knew it was a terrific battle and that I had the upper hand. There were things in there that I could have done differently, and at the end of the day, I’m the one who lost.”
