DUBLIN was buzzing this evening as Michael Conlan uncorked a cracking right hand in the fourth round to leave Jack Bateson down and out.
Headlining on Wasserman Boxing’s “Return of the Mick” show in a packed 3Arena, Conlan entered the ring to a stirring in-person rendition of Grace, much to the delight of the Irish faithful.
In matters of the ring, Conlan used his rhythm and judgement of distance to dictate terms early. A cuff with the right in round three forced Bateson to touch down. Clearly unhurt, the away man was forced to receive a count from the referee.
Commentator Barry Jones commended Bateson on his composure, which was keeping him in it while not winning any rounds. Conlan’s stabbing left hand to the body from the southpaw stance was picking up the points as calls intensified for him to stay orthodox.
The Belfastman did just that, and no sooner than he got comfortable, it was all over in the blink of an eye. The fencing ended as Conlan stepped to the side to unleash a lovely right hand that dropped Bateson heavily.
The Leeds man, 20-2-1 (6 KOs), tried to rise, but his legs betrayed him. “I’m back!” yelled Conlan, 20-3 (10 KOs), the new WBC International featherweight title holder. Bateson was counted out at 2-50 of round four, scheduled for 10.
“A very special night,” buzzed Conlan, fighting in Dublin for the first time as a pro.
“It was everything we’d worked on in training camp. I’ve got to thank Grant Smith. I am back and I want the big names next. I felt strong, I felt fit, I feel like I’m huge in the ring right now.”
Promoter Kalle Sauerland mentioned Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington’s names, as well as Nathaniel Collins. “Can’t wait to do it all again for the gold!” added Sauerland.
Opening the Channel 5 televised portion, Ben Marksby defeated Senan Kelly 97-95 on referee Paul McCullagh’s scorecard.
Charlie Edwards picked up the vacant WBC International super-flyweight title with a 10-round rout of Mexico’s Salvador Juarez, who fell into double-figure losses.
