Michael Conlan will make a long-awaited return to his home city when he faces unbeaten American Kevin Walsh on March 20 at Belfast’s SSE Arena. The bout, promoted by MF Pro, marks Conlan’s first appearance in Belfast since his seventh-round stoppage loss to Jordan Gill in December 2023.
Now 34, Conlan views the fight as a crucial step in what he openly describes as the final chapter of his career. “I can’t wait to come back to Belfast to fight, on this last run towards a world title,” Conlan said. “It has all the makings of a special night… because it’s potentially my last ever fight at home.” Carrying a record of 20-3 (10 KOs), the Irishman enters the bout after rebuilding with wins over Asad Asif Khan and a fourth-round stoppage of Jack Bateson in Dublin.
Walsh arrives in Belfast with momentum and confidence, sporting a 19-0 (10 KOs) record and five straight stoppage victories. Although he lacks Conlan’s amateur pedigree and world-level experience, the 33-year-old has shown durability and ambition, going 10 rounds only once in his career. “I’m ready to go 20-0,” Walsh said. “The kid from Brockton, Massachusetts is coming to Belfast to make a statement.”
Promoter Kalle Sauerland acknowledged both the emotion and the danger surrounding the matchup. “Mick knows this could be the last time he fights in Belfast, so there’s no room for error against a big punching and confident Walsh,” he said, hinting at the high stakes for the former world title challenger.
The March 20 event will be broadcast live on DAZN, with Conlan aiming to harness the Belfast atmosphere one more time as he pushes toward a final shot at world honours.
Fight card:
▪️Michael Conlan vs. Kevin Walsh, 10 rounds, for Conlan’s WBC International featherweight title
