Conlan happy as he makes winning ring return

Michael Conlan says he enjoyed fighting again after a 15-month absence as he defeated Indian fighter Asad Asif Khan in Brighton on Friday night.

The 33-year-old Belfast featherweight made his return after losing his previous two fights.

Conlan, under the tutelage of new coach Grant Smith, secured a 78-74 points victory over Khan in the eight-round bout.

“It was comfortable, he didn’t hurt me once. I was just enjoying myself, getting things done and moving forward”, said the Olympic bronze medallist.

“Back-to-back loses and the fact you come back and finally get back in the win column is always important, it’s always nice so I’m happy”.

After the victory at the Brighton Arena it was confirmed that Conlan will next face Spain’s Cristobal Lorente for the European featherweight title.

Conlan, who admitted to being a bit rusty in his comeback bout, expects the fight to take place this summer.

“It’s the right fight, the right direction to be going in and I’m happy with that.