concern Concerns for Michael Conlan as his world title dream ends with a chilling knock-out

Belfast's Michael Conlan suffered a brutal 12th round knock out at the hands of Leigh Wood after a ferocious WBA featherweight title battle at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena.

Topping the bill at his home city, Wood was put on his back by a looping overhand left towards the end of the first round and while he rose on wobbly legs, the 33-year-old was outclassed over the first half of the fight.

But Wood rallied and was starting to find some success as the bout wore on, evening the knockdowns in the 11th – despite Conlan’s protestations of a slip – before delivering a stunning finish in the final round.

A bruising right hand seemed to buckle Conlan before Wood unloaded with a further flurry to back up his opponent, who tumbled between the ropes and what looked a nasty looking fall.

Raucous celebrations at a dramatic and conclusive finish became muted when it became apparent Conlan was hurt following his tumble from the ring.

He was treated to by medics and left the arena on a stretcher, with reporters confirming he was conscious as he was taken away by medical staff.

"Thank you to all the fans," said Wood. "All the Irish travelling fans. First of all I just want to say I hope Michael is OK. I can't celebrate until I know he's alright. My thoughts are with him at the minute."

Conlan was reported to be "conscious and stable" when he arrived at hospital, with many ringside observers suggesting he was comfortably in the lead on the judges scorecards before the dramatic end to the fight.

"The most dramatic fight I’ve ever witnessed. All our thoughts with Michael Conlan right now," read a tweet from fight promoter Eddie Hearn.