Leigh Wood vs Michael Conlan LIVE: Fight stream, latest updates and result tonight
Re-live round-by-round updates of all the action at the Nottingham Arena
Leigh Wood retained the WBA featherweight title on Saturday night in the most remarkable of boxing contests, sending Michael Conlan through the ropes in the final round after climbing off the canvas himself in the first frame.
There was plenty of support for home fighter Wood at the Nottingham Arena, and the champion started impressively, but the fight looked set to be short lived when the challenger floored Wood on the bell at the end of Round 1. Conlan looked low but threw a left hand over the top to send Wood crashing to the canvas, and the resilience required by the Englishman to make it back to his feet was only built upon as the bout progressed.
Olympic bronze medalist Conlan boxed smartly throughout, picking his shots wisely with his back against the ropes, as Wood found occasional success to the body of his undefeated opponent but increasingly looked to be forcing punches and chasing Conlan, who was stunting any momentum that Wood could create. Still, the hometown fighter continued to press forward valiantly.
Wood, 33, put together his best spell late in Round 10, somehow rallying to the body of Conlan after eating a series of bruising left hooks. The champion then scored a debatable knockdown of his 30-year-old opponent – who believed he had simply slipped – in the 11th frame. The enthralling contest came to a head early in the 12th and final round, when Wood sent Conlan tumbling through the ropes with a vicious knockout. Conlan was subsequently taken to hospital in an ambulance and was later confirmed to be “conscious and stable”.
Re-live round-by-round updates from Leigh Wood vs Michael Conlan and all the undercard action, below.
Leigh Wood vs Michael Conlan
Next up, Yorkshire’s Terri Harper (11-1-1, 6 KOs) takes on Yamila Belen Abellaneda (13-4-1, 3 KOs) of Argentina in a women’s lightweight contest.
Leigh Wood vs Michael Conlan
Gary Cully def. Miguel Vazquez via fifth-round TKO (0:41).
Leigh Wood vs Michael Conlan
Cully vs Vazquez – Round 5
A straight left hand drops Vazquez! It’s so early in the round, and the Mexican is not going to make it!
He’s counted out and Cully scores a big win!
Leigh Wood vs Michael Conlan
Cully vs Vazquez – Round 4
Cully touches gloves with Vazquez out of respect after the Mexican comes forward with a decent combination.
Cully now backs up his opponent, however, leaning on him on the ropes.
The Irishman sneaks in a couple of left hands while also showing good head movement.
The pair are now back in the centre of the ring and Cully’s head is snapped back by a jab.
A left and right hook from Cully stun Vazquez, though! A one-two is the follow-up, and the Mexican staggers back but is able to grab Cully and clinch with his back on the ropes!
Leigh Wood vs Michael Conlan
Cully vs Vazquez – Round 3
Vazquez is entering with jabs to the head then right straights to the body. It’s getting a bit predictable...
And he’s dropped to a knee by a short left straight from Cully!
Vazquez survives the rest of the round...
Leigh Wood vs Michael Conlan
Cully vs Vazquez – Round 2
Vazquez is lunging in with his hands low. He’s caught with a counter right hand from Cully.
The Irishman backs up Vazquez against the ropes, but the experienced Mexican circles away.
A fine spell for Cully and he cuts Vazquez on the former champion’s left eye!
Good head movement and footwork from Cully late in the round.
Leigh Wood vs Michael Conlan
Cully vs Vazquez – Round 1
Southpaw Cully with some snapping jabs early on. Vazquez targets the body.
Nice hook connects for Cully. He holds the centre of the ring.
Vazquez lands some nice counter hooks to the body, though, and now he takes the middle of the ring.
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