Michael Conlan made his much-anticipated pro boxing debut on St. Patrick's Day in New York.
In front of a sold-out crowd at the Madison Square Garden Theater - which saw Conlan walked to the ring by Conor McGregor - the Belfast boxer was too much for Tim Ibarra.
In his post-fight interview, Conlan admitted to being nervous ahead of the fight. Those were dealt with as he settled into the experience with the passing rounds.
Conlan won the first and second rounds easily. The 25-year-old had looked for the KO punch throughout. Though it didn't come, the pressure he was exerting on the American eventually told as referee Benji Gutierrez stepped in to stop the fight with 59 seconds remaining in the third.
This is how the boxing world reacted to Michael Conlan's pro debut. It should be noted that Conlan gave himself an F for his performance.
My honest take: OK performance, but certainly not like watching a @FloydMayweather debut when you knew he'd be a big star.
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) March 18, 2017
Conlan had nothing coming back at him. Wouldn't expect him to fight a star in his debut, but I suggest tempering expectations
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) March 18, 2017
I think Conlan has a chance to be a good pro, and perhaps a very good pro. But I'll reserve judgment until I see more.
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) March 18, 2017
Conlan cruising, hands by his sides and picking his shots. Some wild misses but to be expected as he finds his range.
— Chris McKenna (@cmckennasport) March 18, 2017
Find his range he did in the third and that is it. A constant Conlan attack brings about the stoppage and the sellout crowd is happy.
— Chris McKenna (@cmckennasport) March 18, 2017
Conlan looking crisp through three rounds. Likes to step-in to the body with either hand. Accuracy on display. It's over. #ConlanIbarra
— Mike Fridley (@mikefridley) March 18, 2017
It;s over in the third round as referee Benji Esteves stops it at :59 seconds. Conlan doing all the work and Ibarra taking it. #Conlan
— Bob Velin (@BobVelin) March 18, 2017
It's over, @mickconlan11 TKO3 tough but overpowered Tim Ibarra. And the crowd goes wild! Welcome to the pros, kid!
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) March 18, 2017
Solid start by Conlan. Looked nervy and telegraphed right hand in first 2, but slowed Barra with body shots and got stoppage in 3rd #boxing
— Ron Lewis (@RonLewis_) March 18, 2017
Looks like Conlan will be topping a bill in Boston next #boxing
— Ron Lewis (@RonLewis_) March 18, 2017
Hopefully a little bit of history. The official scorecard from @mickconlan11 professional debut. #TheConlanRevolution pic.twitter.com/3Cavar9azF
— eir Sport (@eirSport) March 18, 2017
Congrats @mickconlan11 on your great win tonight lad the journey has started buzzing for you 👊🏼🇮🇪 enjoy the celebrations
— Jason Quigley (@jay_quigley) March 18, 2017
Congrats, @mickconlan11, on your successful pro debut. You did it in front of a SOLD-OUT crowd of 5,102 @TheGarden. #TheConlanRevolution pic.twitter.com/at5SiYSTq2
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) March 18, 2017
What a way to celebrate #StPatricksDay than with @mickconlan11 standing triumphant in the ring alongside @TheNotoriousMMA! 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/wWxQztuat2
— MSG (@TheGarden) March 18, 2017
Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
