Boxing: Michael Conlan endures tough night in world title defeat

It was a disappointing night for Michael Conlan as he was stopped in fifth round of the IBF World Featherweight title fight by Mexico's Luis Alberto Lopez in the SSE.

The Belfast man's corner threw in the towel after the 31-year-old took a barrage of punches from the reigning champion before being knocked to the canvas.

Lopez, who is two years Conlan;'s junior told BT Sport: "I'm stronger than him and more powerful than him. He has speed and great footwork.

"I wanted to come to Belfast so I could prove to myself that I am a true champion.

"I had an issue when I was injured when I was champion in 2019 and I really, really wanted to make a statement today, being a world champion with my first defence."

There was better news for local fighters on the undercard as Conlan's fellow Belfast fighter Anthony Cacace took unanimous victory over Polish fighter Damian Wrzesinski to retain his IBO super-featherweight title.

Kurt Walker claimed a win against Maico Velazco, while Belfast's Conor Quinn edged out Juan Hinostroza in the flyweight division.

Following Conlan's defeat, fellow west Belfast man, the popular Padraig McCrory maintained his unbeaten status with a comfortable super-middleweight points win over Argentina's Diego Ramirez.

Meanwhile, Fearghus Quinn from Belleek in south Armagh eased to his sixth win in as many fight to continue the unbeaten start to his professional carer with a points win over Ruben Angulo.