‘Irish Mick’ Michael Conlan (19-3, 9 KOs) is planning his next run at a world title shot, with a fight in Dublin on September 5.
Now 33, two-time world title contender Conlan faces England’s Jack Bateson (20-1-1, 6 KOs) at the 13,000-capacity 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, with a sell-out crowd expected for the Irish hero’s first ever professional contest in the city.
Belfast boxer Conlan, now signed to Wasserman Boxing, ended a years hiatus with a points victory over Asad Asif Khan in Brighton, in March.
But for the second fight of his comeback campaign, Conlan has raised the stakes by taking on a decent domestic opponent with just a single loss on his record.
Former Great Britain amateur Jack Bateson won a Commonwealth Youth Games gold medal and a European Championships bronze, as well as two national titles, in an outstanding amateur career that was him win over 100 bouts from 120.
He began boxing at the age of nine after his older brother, Tom, quit. Jack took it up instantly because he felt sorry for their dad who was the coach.
Leeds favourite Bateson, 31, has lost just once in his 22-fight pro career – to current IBO world super-bantamweight champion Shabaz Masoud.
He bounced back boldly to secure three straight wins, two via knockout. Then, in his last fight, he took on Danny Quartermaine for IBF and WBO European super-featherweight titles, last December, but the contest was unfortunately cut short in the second round after both boxers suffered serious cuts as a result of an accidental head clash. Both Brits had to settle for a draw.
Conlan and Bateson will clash for the vacant WBC International featherweight title, over 10 rounds.
For Northern Ireland’s Conlan, the excitement of boxing in the city for the first time in the paid ranks, is already building and he has vowed to deliver a performance his fans will be proud of.
Michael Conlan said: “I am truly honoured to be fighting in Dublin, for the first time in my professional career.
“I boxed countless times in the city as an amateur, and achieved so much of my success there, so to finally be fighting in Dublin as a pro, is genuinely exciting.
“And it’s a big fight too. I have plenty of respect for Jack Bateson, we have sparred many rounds, and he poses a real threat to my world title plans.
“I will have to be on my A-game to win this fight, but with the support of the fans in Dublin, we can make this a special night on my road back to the top.”
The WBC International featherweight title lived in Leeds for almost three years when Josh Warrington gave it a home from 2015-2018.
Also a ‘Loiner’ – the phrase people from Leeds are commonly known as – Jack Bateson said: “I’ve had a frustrating few months, waiting for the right opportunity to present itself.
“Now the time has finally come, the fight against Michael Conlan is the sort of fight I’ve been waiting and working patiently for.
“Fighting Michael in Ireland and in front of his fans, could crumble some fighters but I am confident enough and experienced enough in boxing to fight whoever, whenever. I’m really excited and I can’t wait for September 5.
“I boxed all over the world as an amateur, fighting guys on their home turf, and it never once fazed me.
“What Michael has achieved in the sport has been remarkable, but boxing is all about timing and I believe I am coming into my peak years as a pro.
“I’ve suffered defeat, but it has only strengthened my resolve and made me a better fighter.
“On September 5 I will have to show some true Yorkshire grit, but I am fully confident of securing a massive away win.”
Also on the Wasserman Boxing bill in Dublin, former world flyweight champion Charlie Edwards makes his return to the ring, while the fast-rising Ben Marksby takes on local favourite Sean Kelly, in a battle of unbeaten prospects.
