Conlan stops Guerfi in the first round in Belfast to keep world title hopes alive

Michael Conlan stayed on the hunt for an elusive world title when he knocked out French challenger Karim Guerfi in the first round at the SSE Arena in Belfast last night.

With a potential title fight in the works for St Patrick's Day in Belfast next year, Conlan had said he wanted to impress and he did exactly that with a ruthless stoppage that began when he sent a trademark left hand zeroing into Guerfi’s chin.

It was similar to the shot he floored Leigh Wood with in the opener of his ill-fated world title challenge in March. The bell saved Wood that night in Nottingham but this time Conlan had time to finish it and with his man on the ropes he went to work with a furious two-handed barrage.

Guerfi sank to the canvas and referee Steve Gray moved in to start an eight-count. But Guerfi’s legs failed him when he rose to his feet and, as he staggered towards a neutral corner, Gray waved it off at 2.34 in the first.

"The opportunity was there and I took it," said Conlan.

"I’m surprised I got him in the first round. I was happy to get the finish, it’s my first first-round stoppage so happy days, Merry Christmas. I want to fight for a world title again as soon as possible."

Earlier, Sean McComb had little trouble out-boxing Slovakian Zsolt Guerfi to win the WBO European super-lightweight title.

Slick southpaw McComb used his height and reach to dominate the visitor who was never able to establish a foothold in the fight. By the end stylish McComb was showboating and he won 100-90 on points over the 10 rounds.