Kevin Walsh defeated Michael Conlan by Split Decision (96–94, 97–93, 94–96) to win the WBC International featherweight title, with Conlan announcing his retirement after the fight.
Kieran Molloy defeated Xavier Kohlen by Unanimous Decision (98–92, 100–90, 99–91) to claim the vacant IBF European welterweight title.
Niall Brown stopped Darren Johnstone by TKO (Round 3, 0:44).
Codie Smith defeated Lee Gormley by TKO (Round 1, 1:54).
Jak Corrie knocked out Jacob Quinn by KO (Round 2, 2:38).
Prelims
Ben Marksby defeated Carlos Daniel Cordoba by RTD (after Round 4).
Kurt Walker defeated Yahir Alexander Solorio Morales by Points (40–36).
Kyle Smith defeated Eduardo Vera Sanchez by Points (40–36).
Post-lims
Glenn Byrne defeated Daniel Przewieslik by Points (60–54).
Sam Norris defeated Stefan Vincent by Points (40–36).
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 the WBC International featherweight title
▪️Kieran Molloy vs. Xavier Kohlen, 10 rounds, for the vacant IBF European welterweight title
▪️Niall Brown vs. Darren Johnstone, 10 rounds, super middleweight
▪️Codie Smith vs. Lee Gormley, 8 rounds, super featherweight
▪️Jak Corrie vs. Jacob Quinn, 6 rounds, super welterweight
▪️Ben Marksby vs. Carlos Daniel Cordoba, 8 rounds, super lightweight
▪️Kurt Walker vs. Yahir Alexander Solorio Morales, 6 rounds, lightweight
▪️Kyle Smith vs. Eduardo Vera Sanchez, 4 rounds, super welterweight
▪️Glenn Byrne vs. Owen O'Neill, 6 rounds, super welterweight
▪️Sam Norris vs. Stefan Vincent, 4 rounds, lightweight
