Irish Star Michael Conlan pitches a shutout over Ruben Garcia Hernandez

For the third year in a row on St. Patrick’s Day, Irish prospect Michael Conlan entertained his fans in a boxing ring.

The Irish sensation didn’t disappoint, pitching a shutout over 10 rounds to defeat tough Ruben Garcia Hernandez at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

All three judges had Conlan winning every round.

The 27-year-old from Belfast, Ireland, was crisp and efficient from the get go. He switched between orthodox and southpaw and popped his jab. A number of solid left hands landed. Garcia Hernandez landed a lead right hand in round two. Conlan, with his hands at his sides, whipped hooks downstairs.

The fleetfooted Conlan (11-0, 6 KOs) kept up his attack in round three. Garcia Hernandez was a step behind all night, but not lacking in guts. He ate an overhand left without incident. Garcia Hernandez (24-4-2, 10 KOs) caught Conlan with a left hook. Conlan popped inside and out and let his hands go in round four. His work was consistent. He confused Garcia Hernandez with angles.

Conlan continued to dominate in rounds five and six. He fired combinations from different stances. Garcia Hernandez was showing grit, but little else. He was being outmaneuvered and outgunned, but his determination didn’t waver.

He connected with an uppercut. Conlan concentrated his attack to the body. Garcia Hernandez looked winded at the bell. Conlan fired combinations in round seven. Many of them landed. Garcia Hernandez was hanging in like grim death.

Conlan had easily won the first seven rounds. Would he go for a knockout?

He moved to his left and right. He invested more time to the body. A combination to the head staggered Garcia Hernandez in the last 30 seconds of the round.

Rounds nine and 10 were more the same. In other words, all Conlan. He jabbed and unleased hooks that landed at will. A wicked left hook thudded home. Garcia Hernandez was nicked up and tired, but his will was solid. He wasn’t going anywhere. Conlan clipped him with more blows until the bell rang ending the fight.

“I think I showed a lot of defensive movement. He was a tough guy. I wanted to practice things we’re working on. We’ll be back again.”

Photo by Mikey Williams - Top Rank