Jamie Conlan forced to dig deep in battling points win

Jamie Conlan climbed off the canvas to claim the vacant WBC silver international super-flyweight title with a split decision against Yader Cardoza.

Conlan was floored in the eighth round but recovered to extend his professional record to 19-0 in front of his hometown Belfast fans at Waterfront Hall.

The 30-year-old shaded the opening three rounds but former world title challenger Cardoza battled back in the fourth.

Conlon made it to his feet after being caught by a flurry of punches in the eighth and went toe to toe with his rival but was then forced to hold while on the ropes to see the round out.

However, despite suffering a cut above his eye, Conlon regained his composure to secure a 114-113, 115-113, 112-115 verdict and keep himself on course for a world title eliminator.

Double Olympic bronze medallist Paddy Barnes claimed a comfortable points win over Adrian Dimas Garzon to continue his winning start to the paid ranks with his second victory.