Michael Conlan’s IBF world title hopes crushed by defeat to Luis Alberto Lopez in Belfast

Michael Conlan’s second bid for a world featherweight title led to disappointment after he was stopped within the fifth spherical by IBF champion Luis Alberto Lopez.

Conlan, whose problem for the WBA crown led to failure towards Leigh Wooden simply over a yr in the past, was trying to beat the Mexican on house turf at Belfast’s SSE Area.

However the 31-year-old’s coach Adam Sales space threw within the towel after Lopez dropped him to the canvas with a left hook and proper uppercut.

Conlan, who acquired medical consideration following the stoppage, later tweeted: “I am good people. Wasn’t on the races, could not appear to get going and paid the value for it.

“Congratulations to Lopez on an important efficiency. I want you all the most effective sooner or later champion. Thanks for the chance.

“Due to everybody who reached out and wished me luck. I can not get again to you all however I respect it!

“I am gonna take a while away from social media now to get pleasure from my household and determine what the following steps for me are. Once more, thanks Belfast for a tremendous environment and turnout! Love MC x.”

Conlan – who received bronze as a flyweight at London 2012 earlier than turning over 4 years later – had regarded sturdy in the course of the second spherical, catching Lopez with a powerful right-hander.

However the momentum shifted considerably within the subsequent as Lopez landed a succession of punches to depart Conlan hanging on for the bell.

Though Lopez slowed a bit of within the fourth, he remained in management and the highly effective fifth-round uppercut that despatched the challenger reeling left Sales space no possibility however to finish the combat.

In the meantime, former IBF world champion Josh Warrington – who held the title till dropping it to Lopez on a cut up determination final December – has already said he’s eager on a rematch.