Conlan Defends Title vs. Walsh in Belfast on March 20

Michael Conlan is set to defend his WBC International featherweight title against undefeated American Kevin Walsh on March 20 at the SSE Arena in Belfast, marking the Irish boxer's return to his hometown ring for the first time since December 2023.

The 34-year-old Conlan, with a record of 20 wins and 3 losses including 10 knockouts, captured the vacant belt in September with a fourth-round stoppage of Jack Bateson in Dublin. Now on what he describes as his final push toward a third world title opportunity, Conlan views the bout as a pivotal step. Walsh, 33, enters unbeaten at 19-0 with 10 knockouts, hailing from Brockton, Massachusetts. The challenger has been active recently, securing four victories in 2025, including a 10-round split decision over Tramaine Williams in May, and has stopped five of his last seven opponents.

Conlan, who trains under Grant Smith in Sheffield, England, expressed enthusiasm about the matchup despite acknowledging its challenges. "I am ready and excited but know I face a very tough opponent in Kevin Walsh, who promises to bring the heat," he said. He emphasized the emotional weight of the event, adding, "I plan to savour every second of it, because...