Conlan knocked out in final round of world title clash

Michael Conlan was knocked out in the final round of his world title encounter with England's Leigh Wood in Nottingham.

The Belfast boxer started like a train, knocking the champion down inside the first round of the WBA featherweight title fight, and continued to dominate the fight throughout the early rounds.

Local hero Wood worked his way back into the contest in the latter rounds and drew Conlan into a war of attrition with some relentless exchanges as the fight moved into the championship rounds.

Wood then knocked a jaded-looking Conlan down in the penultimate round, although it was disputed by the the Irish fighter and his corner who deemed it a slip, however, replays show that some contact was made with the champion's left-hook.

Then the drama went up another notch midway through the final round as Conlan was caught up against the ropes and was then knocked backwards out of the ring.

The referee called an immediate halt to the contest with an exhausted Wood celebrating his come-from-behind victory.

But the celebrations were short-lived as the seriousness of the Conlan knockout became apparent and Wood, to his credit, asked the jubilant crowd to calm down as the Irish fighter needed medical assistance.

Conlan was taken away for further medical attention with no immediate update on his condition.

Earlier on the card, there were wins for Irish fighters Caoimhin Agyarko, Gary Cully and Thomas Carty.