Michael Conlan successfully took his first step towards reclaiming his world-class status by defeating India’s Asad Asif Khan. The Belfast boxer won by points, with referee Bob Williams scoring the fight 78-74. The match was held at the Brighton Centre and broadcast live in the UK on Channel 5.
Throughout the fight, Conlan frequently switched his stance, effectively utilizing his jab and timing to control Khan. As the rounds progressed, Conlan increased his intensity. This fight marked Conlan’s return to the ring and his first performance under Wasserman Boxing, allowing him to shake off some ring rust.
With this win, Conlan’s record improves to 19-3 (with 9 knockouts). It’s worth noting that two of his three losses were in world title fights. Khan, while a decent opponent, lacked the power to seriously threaten Conlan. Despite this, the referee awarded Khan a couple of rounds out of the eight, with his record now standing at 19-6-1 (5 knockouts).
Following the fight, it was announced in the ring that Conlan’s next opponent would be Spain’s Cristobal Lorente, the undefeated European featherweight champion with a record of 20-0-1 (8 knockouts).
“I wasn’t nervous, even though it’s been a long time since my last fight,” Conlan commented, sporting some bruising around his eyes. He noted that it had been 461 days since his defeat to Jordan Gill.
“He’s got a tough head, I think I hurt my left hand a little bit. I’ve known Nisse and Kalle Sauerland for a long time, and we’ve become friends.”
