IRISH fan-favourite Michael Conlan fights in the Republic of Ireland for the first time when he faces Jack Bateson on Friday night. Keen for a performance that convinces, Conlan will be disappointed with anything less than a dominant display, despite Bateson being considered a live dog.
Conlan, 19-3 (9 KOs), debuted professionally off the back of a stellar amateur career, becoming a world amateur champion and an Olympic bronze medallist before building up a phenomenal following in the paid ranks.
However, despite coming close, Conlan has been unable to secure a world title as a pro, with his fabled 2022 clash with Leigh Wood seeing ‘Irish Mick’ come within seconds of doing so.
The Belfast-bred contender bounced back with back-to-back victories to earn another shot at the featherweight crown. However, a devastating stoppage defeat to IBF champion Luis Alberto Lopez and a shock KO loss to Jordan Gill led to calls for Conlan to hang up the gloves.
Nevertheless, after 15 months away, Conlan made his return earlier this year in a points win against Asad Asif Khan and now faces Bateson, 20-1-1 (6 KOs), in Dublin, where the WBC International title and subsequent top 15 ranking are up for grabs.
However, given the previous heights of Conlan’s career, an underwhelming display against the West Yorkshireman could and arguably should mark his last.
For Bateson, this bout marks an incredible opportunity to rise above the domestic level and emerge as a featherweight threat himself.
Although, this will be Bateson’s first fight at the weight in four-and-a-half years, having moved from super-bantamweight to super-featherweight following the lone defeat of his career, against Shabaz Masoud in 2022.
With only six wins inside of the distance, just two of which came against opponents with winning records, it’s clear to see why Bateson has been selected, amid the concerns that surround Conlan’s chin.
As a result, it’s hoped by Team Conlan that the pedigree and raw boxing talent of the Irishman should guide him to a one-sided victory, but the grimaces that will follow each blow that lands on the home fighter tell the tale of why Bateson cannot be written off.
MICHAEL CONLAN VS JACK BATESON FIGHT PREDICTION
It’s easy to over-analyse Conlan’s underwhelming triumph over Khan in March and suggest that his time at the top is done, but we’ve seen similar showings from stars in the past count for very little. The fact it was his first outing under Grant Smith should also be noted.
Against Bateson, who some are picking to beat Conlan, the home fighter should have the motivation, as well as superiority in technical skills, to come out on top, and the additional time under Smith’s tutelage should also serve him well.
As a result, Boxing News Online are predicting a wide points win for Conlan that tees up either a clash against Josh Warrington or a rematch with Leigh Wood for 2026.
