BELFAST boxer Michael Conlan has vowed that "I'll be back" after being taken to hospital following his dramatic 12th round stoppage defeat to Leigh Wood in their world title contest.
A powerful punch by Wood saw Conlan (29) fall through the ropes and on to the floor during the fight in Nottingham on Saturday. He was later carried from the arena on a stretcher and taken to hospital.
But in a post on social media yesterday, he said: "I'm all good".
Conlan had been in control of the WBA world featherweight title clash, which had seen Wood (33) drop to the floor in the first round.
But in the final three minutes, a right hand from Wood left Conlan sagging against the ropes before going through them after his opponent followed up with a furious flurry.
Referee Steve Gray was unable to intercept Conlan in time to prevent a fall onto the hard floor. He was tended to by medics before being taken to hospital on a stretcher amid worrying scenes.
"Michael's so tough and I hope he's alright," an emotional Wood, who was making the first defence of the title he won last year, said afterwards.
He stopped his celebrations as his opponent received immediate medical treatment.
But Conlan, who won gold at the World and European Championships and Olympic bronze at London 2012, later issued a reassuring update on his condition in the early hours of Sunday morning.
He said on his Instagram story: "I'm all good, I'm just getting checked up in the hospital. The CT scan is all clear.
"Congrats to Leigh Wood, congrats to his team, that was the best shot of the night he got me with at the end.
"But it is what it is, I'll be back."
He also said: "Definitely want a rematch lol."
Promoter Eddie Hearn called Wood's win "one of the greatest comebacks" but added "we're all praying for Michael".
