Michael Conlan says he “will take some time out” after suffering a knockout defeat by Jordan Gill which could prove to be the end of his career.
The Northern Irishman’s seventh-round stoppage by Gill came after world title defeats by Leigh Wood and Luis Alberto Lopez over the past 20 months.
Speaking after the Belfast bout on X, formerly known as Twitter, Conlan said: “Tonight just wasn’t my night.
“Congratulations to Jordan Gill who was victorious tonight.”
Conlan added: “Belfast, as always, thank you from the bottom of my heart for turning out in your numbers again.
“I’m going to take some time out and be with my family.”
Defeat a ‘massive blow’ for Conlan – Hearn
England’s Gill, 29, floored the 32-year-old in the second round and remained dominant before finishing the fight by producing a barrage of punches in the seventh round.
Promoter and Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn said before Saturday night’s contest that defeat would end Olympic medallist Conlan’s professional career.
Speaking after the fight, Hearn said the Belfastman now faces “a long way back if you want to come back and start winning world titles”.
“Michael is his own man and he’s got a great family around him,” added Hearn.
“He’ll make his own decisions but he’s also a guy that wants to operate at world level.
“He lost for the world title last time out and now he got stopped again at world level but borderline world level. It’s a massive blow.”