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Gareth Fullerton

Michael Conlan sends 'defining' message to fans and responds to online haters

Michael Conlan insists he won't let his defeat to Luis Alberto Lopez define his career.

The 31-year-old lost out in his latest World title bid at the SSE Arena last Saturday night, suffering a fifth round stoppage to IBF featherweight champion Lopez.

In the aftermath of the defeat Conlan said he would take some time away with his family before deciding on his next move, but he returned to social media on Friday where he posted a brief message for his followers.

Read more: Fund set up to support hospitalised boxer who fought on Conlan card

It read: "One bad night won't define a lifetime of work."

Conlan is a former World and European amateur champion, and also won gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

He also won bronze at the 2012 Olympics in London.

The Falls Road man turned professional in 2016 after the controversy of the Rio Olympics, going on to win 18 of his 20 fights to date.

His two defeats have come in world title challenges, against Leigh Wood and Luis Alberto Lopez respectively.

Conlan also appeared to hit back at some of the vitriol that has surfaced following his latest loss.

He posted a video to his Instagram Stories featuring American comedian Dave Chappelle saying: "When a hero stumbles, the cowards rejoice. Nothing feels better to a coward than to watch a brave guy fall."

What Conlan does next remains to be seen, but some fans believe his latest social media posts suggest the Belfast boxer will come again.

He said last Sunday: "Last night wasn’t to be… I just didn’t perform and that’s it. I pray before each fight for the safety of my opponent and myself and thankfully we both came out safe.

"Thank you to all my supporters who came out and showed mad love, the atmosphere was amazing so thank you all.

"I’m taking a break from all social media to enjoy my family and think about my next move."

That post was liked by Conor McGregor who replied: "You are a true f****** warrior Mick! A proper Irish warrior! "

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