A stunning upset unfolded in Northern Ireland as undefeated contender Kevin Walsh delivered the biggest victory of his career, defeating hometown star Michael Conlan by split decision to capture the WBC International Featherweight Championship.
The bout headlined a major boxing event at the sold-out SSE Arena in Belfast and was broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.
For Walsh, fighting outside the United States for the first time, the victory represents a career-defining moment that could propel the CES Boxing standout into world title contention.
Tactical Battle in Front of Partisan Belfast Crowd
The fight proved to be a closely contested tactical battle from the opening bell.
Conlan, a decorated amateur and 2012 Olympian representing Northern Ireland, began the fight in his natural southpaw stance. Both fighters attempted to establish their jabs early, but Walsh edged the opening round by landing several clean right hands and punctuating the frame with a sharp left hook at the bell.
An early clash of heads cut Conlan high on the forehead between the eyes, forcing the Irish fighter to battle through blood for much of the contest.
Round two saw both men trade exchanges, with Walsh again finding success with his right hand.
Conlan experimented with switching to an orthodox stance in rounds three and four, working effectively to the body in close range before returning to southpaw to better manage distance with his reach advantage.
That adjustment became a central theme of the fight. Whenever Conlan abandoned his southpaw stance, Walsh’s right hand and left hook consistently found their target.
The middle rounds featured measured exchanges as both fighters searched for openings. Conlan attempted to control the pace while Walsh countered with sharp combinations.
By round six, Walsh began increasing his punch output.
Walsh Takes Control Down the Stretch
The momentum began shifting clearly in Walsh’s favor during the later rounds.
In the eighth round, Walsh connected with a clean left hook followed by a right hand while Conlan stood in the orthodox stance.
One round later, Walsh landed a powerful left hand that visibly stunned the Belfast native, though he was unable to fully capitalize.
Entering the final round, Conlan’s corner urged him to remain southpaw. Instead, under pressure, he again switched to orthodox — and Walsh immediately capitalized with another clean right hand just before the final bell.
After ten competitive rounds, the judges returned split scorecards: 97-93 for Conlan, and 96-94 twice for Walsh, awarding the American the upset victory.
“I was very confident I got the job done,” Walsh said immediately after the fight. “It was a close fight. He’s a hell of a fighter, but I knew I did enough.”
From Brockton to Belfast: Walsh’s Unlikely Journey
For Walsh, the win represents far more than just a championship belt.
The 33-year-old fighter hails from Brockton, one of boxing’s most historic cities that produced legends like Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler.
Walsh did not follow the traditional path to professional boxing success.
After a troubled youth that included street fights and time in jail, Walsh found direction at age 22 following the death of his father. A local boxing gym gave him purpose, setting him on the path that ultimately led to Belfast.
“I’m crying inside right now,” Walsh admitted. “This is a blessing. My father was an Irish man – I feel like he set this whole thing up for me. God is good.”
Walsh also thanked the people who helped him reach the biggest moment of his career.
“Shoutout to all my fans who came out from Brockton, to Ireland for the hospitality, and to my team: Billy Sprawls, Mike Cappiello, Mark DeLuca, Rich Cappiello, Jimmy Burchfield and CES Boxing. We did it!”
Walsh Calls Out WBC Champion Bruce Carrington
With the victory, Walsh moves closer to a potential world title opportunity.
He wasted no time setting his sights on current champion Bruce Carrington.
“‘Shu Shu!’ Where you at, baby?,” said Walsh. “Let’s go. Give me my shot. You’re a hell of a fighter, but it’s my turn.”
CES Boxing Founder Praises Walsh
CES Boxing founder Jimmy Burchfield Sr. praised Walsh’s performance and resilience.
“This young man is special,” Burchfield said. “There’s no denying what he did tonight. I’m more proud of him than any fighter I’ve ever represented.”
Walsh Reflects on Overcoming Adversity
After years of overcoming obstacles, Walsh believes his story carries a message for anyone chasing a dream.
“I’ve faced adversity and overcome every challenge that’s come my way,” Walsh said. “So to anyone out there: never give up. It doesn’t matter how old you are. It’s never too late. Believe in yourself.”
On a night when the hometown crowd expected a different outcome, Kevin Walsh proved once again that resilience and belief can change everything.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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