What a talent.
Michael Conlan’s rise is seemingly unstoppable.
The Irish fighter clinched gold in World Boxing Championships on Wednesday afternoon with the classiest of performances.
Conlan has already become the first ever Irish man to have medalled at four major games: the Olympics, the Commonwealths, the Euros and now the Worlds and he can add a gold to that seemingly bottomless trophy cabinet.
The Ireland man won the first two rounds of the Bantamweight decider in a rapturous Doha as he was roared and sang there by a loyal following belting out Field Of Athenry at the top of their lungs.
Taking on a mad keen Murodjon Akhmadaliev from Uzbekistan, Conlan won the first round on a split decision as he bobbed and weaved his way through a manic opening, landing a number of uncompromising body blows in the process.
The Belfast boy controlled the second round which he won unanimously with a number of stick and move combinations but he found himself in a little bit of trouble in the final round as his opponent landed a big shot that required a count for the Irish man near the end.
It was too little too late though as Conlan had the back broke on the fight and he secured a well deserved gold. Next stop: Rio. Who’s going to stop this guy?
There wasn’t as much luck for Michael O’Reilly in the middleweight contest however as he lost out to Hosam Abdin in somewhat controversial circumstances.
Coach Zaur Antia was not happy at the decision and took to his Facebook page to complain:
“Absolutely disgraced by the judges’ decision. Michael won all three rounds and they robbed him in the first two. Disgraceful.”
Billy Walsh after Michael Conlan’s Gold medal win from Sportsfile on Vimeo.