Leigh Wood emerged victorious from his mandatory title defense with a knockout. to Michael Conlan in the 12th round, Saturday, in Nottingham.

Conlan (16-1, 8 KOs) was unbeaten until today.

Wood (26-2, 16 KOs) narrowly retained his WBA flyweight belt as he was on course to lose on points entering the final round.

He had started the fight well before being shaken shortly before the sound of the bell announcing the end of the first assault, and once again in the second on a big left hand. Conlan often hit the target and moved well, being little disturbed by his opponent.

In the later rounds, however, Wood must have been aware of the disadvantage he was in looking for the home run. He also dropped Conlan to 11th.

Eventually, Wood backed Conlan into the cables and knocked him outright backwards outside the ring.