Impressive win for Mick Conlan at European Championships
Mick Conlan was in imperious form today in winning his opening bout at the 41st European Championships in Samokov, Bulgaria. Seeded number one in the tournament at his weight, Conlan stormed into the quarter finals with a comprehensive victory over Anthony Bret of France.
Bret – who beat Gary McKenna last year – was no match for the energy, power, and skill possessed by the Clonard ABC man who barely got out of third gear.
Conlan put on a boxing clinic in the opening round, getting in-and-out to score effectively. Bret threw more as the round went on but Conlan evaded and countered with aplomb.
The middle stanza saw Conlan – who was comfortable switch-hitting throughout – open up a bit and begin to throw more combinations against his overmatched opponent.
In the final round Conlan began to coast, showing exemplary footwork. A trip sent the Belfast man to the canvas and, when he arose, he immediately hit Bret with a vicious left hook and then finished the round on a venomous offensive.
The fight went to the cards and the result was never in doubt with Conlan winning 30-27 with all three judges.
It was an impressive return to the 3×3 minute rounds format for Conlan after his successful spell in the World Series of Boxing where he secured qualification for next year’s Rio Olympics.
Conlan will now face Denmark’s Frederik Jensen in the quarter finals on Wednesday afternoon as he seeks to improve on the silver medal he won in Belarus two years ago – and secure qualification for the World Championships in August.
