On Friday night, the 34-year-old Irish fighter will clash with Kevin Walsh at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and live on DAZN. The winner will put himself in line for a possible world title opportunity at featherweight in the near future.

Conlan (20-3, 10 KOs) recovered from being knocked out twice in 2023 by rebuilding in 2024 before defeating Asad Asif Khan on points last March and Jack Bateson via fourth-round TKO in September in front of a roaring Dublin crowd. He meets an undefeated Walsh (19-0, 10 KOs), who furthered his fight profile in 2025 by generating three victories, including a unanimous decision over Jose Nunez Sosa in November.

Will Conlan show the ring savvy and guile to hand Walsh his first loss? Or will the American Walsh score the biggest win of his pro career en route to more promising fights ahead? DAZN News analyzes who has the edge between Conlan and Walsh entering Friday night.

Boxing Styles

Michael Conlan moves laterally well around the ring with the ability to switch stances from orthodox to southpaw within the flow of the fight when he deems it necessary. That allows him to apply technical pressure to opponents. The Irish fighter possesses fast hands, especially on the counterpunch end, but can be susceptible to a counter as well if he leaves himself open following a wide attempt.

His style will be up against that of Kevin Walsh, an orthodox fighter, who has a penchant for fighting off the back foot where he can pepper with his punches or load up on them. How that fares remains to be seen, considering Conlan’s four inches of reach advantage in this fight.

Edge: Conlan

Power

Both Conlan and Walsh count 10 knockouts to their respective pro ledgers, though neither is renowned for his power. Conlan did, however, record his last win — over Jack Bateson — via fourth-round TKO.

The push in this category when it comes to their punching power could lie in their hand speed and sharpness where Conlan edges Walsh out. Then again, Walsh sits on his punches well off the back foot and could potentially do damage if he catches Conlan cleanly.

Edge: Walsh

Mental Warfare

Conlan used Wednesday's press conference to vow that he is going to deliver a boxing masterclass. If Conlan wants to make a final push toward a world title shot, he cannot afford a hiccup against Walsh, who just does not tout the same kind of ring experience or IQ.

All this should represent a healthy boost of confidence for the Irish fighter, giving him the cerebral advantage heading into Friday night.

Edge: Conlan

Who has the edge in Conlan vs. Walsh?

DAZN News has the edge presiding with Conlan, 2-1. It’s hard to fathom his bundle of sweet science skills and ring savvy being upset in Belfast, though Walsh will try to make that a possibility in what would mark the biggest victory of his career.