Former Olympian Michael Conlan's third professional fight against Jarrett Owen ended with a third round technical knock-out victory for the Belfast fighter in Brisbane, Australia.
Under a bright blue sky andpounding sun at a capacity Suncorp Stadium, Conlan enjoyed a strong supporting role to the WBO welterweight title fight between Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao and hometown hero Jeff Horn.
The famous rugby league stadium was filled with Filipino fans who had travelled from every corner of the globe to see their hero Pacquiao, but Conlan’s faithful army fans in Queensland remained vocal, especially when he was erroneously announced as an Olympic gold medalist.
Conlan’s opponent Owen has been double jobbing as a fighter, competing in MMA and boxing promotions. The Queensland fighter’s role was simple, provide a short mock exam before Conlan faces far more exacting tests later in his professional career.
In the first round, Conlan enjoyed some success with strong right hooks to Owen’s head and body, making the Australian back up tentatively. Conlan’s famed hand speed, honed as a highly decorated amateur, was on display, catching the Queenlander with snapping jabs to the face throughout the second.
Conlan’s examination of his Australian opponent’s ability in the early rounds gave him sufficient confidence to hold his hands low, and stalk Owen around the ring, finding success to the body at will.
Early in the third round Owen had a rare success with a single uppercut to Conlan’s face. Conlan seemed affronted by the shot, and picked up his work. He continued to hit the brave Queenslander at will to the face and body in rapid succession.
A venomous body shot from Conlan broke Owen’s defences completely, Conlan looked at the referee with incredulity, his eyes seeming to plead for a stoppage. Seconds later the referee agreed and the fight ended in a comfortable TKO victory for Conlan.
Straight after the Irishman’s work in the Brisbane sun, with barely any sweat on his brow, Conlan said that his next fight is planned for September.
Conlan and his team are relentlessly creating the foundations for a career that seems destined to win a world title. Until then, Conlan's global roadshow - headed by veteran promoter Bob Arum - will continue relentlessly after a short, sweet and sharp victory under a hot winter sun in Australia.
