Michael Conlan retires after loss from Walsh

Michael Conlan (20-4, 10 KOs) has decided to retire from boxing after loss on Friday night in Belfast against Kevin Walsh (20-0, 10 KOs) in the fight for WBC International featherweight title.

Conlan lost via split decision (96:94, 93:97 and 96:94) and after the fight the 34-year-old announced his retirement.

“It’s the end of the road for me,” Conlan said in his dressing room. “I said the next defeat, no matter the situation, no matter the circumstances, that would be me finishing boxing. And it has come. I didn’t think I lost, but it wasn’t good enough. And that’s a simple fact. Thirty-four, probably too long in the tooth.

“I thought I won, but it is what it is. I don’t want to do it anymore. It’s time to say goodbye to boxing.”