Another Paddy’s Day in New York, another big win for Mick Conlan.
If a Mick Conlan showcase fight in Madison Square Garden on St Patrick’s Day becomes an annual event, there would likely be minimal complaints. The Garden turned green for the Belfast man’s return exactly one year to the day after he made his professional debut in the iconic arena.
Since that stunning introduction to the pro ranks, Conlan has racked up an impressive undefeated record. He entered into his bout against David Berna with a pristine 5-0 record with four of those wins coming by way of finish.
After the referee stepped in to end the fight, Conlan got another victory and another knockout to add to the highlight reel.
https://twitter.com/ZPGIFs/status/975199795731206145
TIMBEEEEEERRR!!!
In the very first round, Berna went crumbling face-first into the canvas. The Hungarian put his hands up and crouched right into the path of a seismic uppercut that hit him square in the solar plexus. Feeling the sweet shot land flush, Conlan played the role of the matador. He side-stepped out of the way to allow Berna to nose-dive to the ground.
“I seen he kept committing and then he dips down and brings his hands up, brings his guard up to block his face. Once I turned to the southpaw stance I felt that shot was going to be a comfortable shot I was going to land. The first one I threw put him down. It completely sucked the life out of him.” the second round, it was all over.
The fight was over in the second round. A glancing hook put Berna back down. He lay on his gloves and knees in the centre of the ring following the blow but was able to get to his feet by the time the referee got to eight in his count.
Foolishly, he nodded when the man in the middle asked him if he wanted to continue. 15 seconds later, the ref intervened to call the fight off. Conlan was toying with his prey in the corner, picking his shots which Berna had no answer for.
https://twitter.com/ZPGIFs/status/975200678946668544
Homecoming
What’s next for Conlan remains unknown. However, after the fight, he was pushing for a chance to shine in front of his hometown.
“Yeah, 100% I want to fight back in Belfast. There was talk of it being in June. Look at this crowd. We’ll sell out any arena in Ireland. We’ve got to get back to Ireland.”
The Belfast bout has been a long time coming. Conlan wants it, his fans want it, pretty much the only person who won’t want it is the unfortunate soul who has to fight him there.
