Michael Conlan is just 48 hours away from the fight that could define the rest of his career. On Friday night at Dublin’s 3Arena, the Belfast favorite finally gets a return to his amateur stomping ground, with Leeds contender Jack Bateson standing in the way of redemption.
The pair clash for the vacant WBC International featherweight title, but the prize goes far beyond a belt.
On Wednesday, they went face-to-face with the clock ticking on a dust-up that will elevate one closer to a title shot.
Conlan’s final chance
For Conlan, 33, it’s about proving he still belongs on the world stage after knockout defeats to Leigh Wood, Jordan Gill, and Luis Alberto Lopez left his career hanging in the balance.
Since then, a steady points win over Asad Asif Khan stopped the slide, but Bateson is no tune-up.
At 31, Bateson arrives with just one loss in 22 outings, to current IBO champion Shabaz Masoud, and sees Dublin as the moment to break through.
The former GB amateur knows he must silence the partisan crowd to snatch the biggest win of his career.
That backdrop sets up a classic crossroads contest: a two-time world title challenger fighting for relevance against a hungry challenger eager to take his spot.
The support cast
Former world champion Charlie Edwards makes his return on the card, while unbeaten fighters Ben Marksby and Senan Kelly collide in what many tip as the show-stealer.
But make no mistake: this night is about Conlan vs Bateson: two men, one ring, and everything on the line.
Conlan fights to keep his career alive. Bateson fights to change his. The protagonists will reveal answers on Friday night, live on Channel 5.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.