Dublin: Belfast’s featherweight Michael Conlan is preparing for a crucial comeback fight against Jack Bateson on September 5 in Dublin. After a 15-month break following his December 2023 loss to Jordan Gill, the 33-year-old returned to winning ways in March with a points victory over Asad Asif Khan.
Bateson, a Leeds fighter and former British super-bantamweight champion, holds a record of 20 wins, one loss, and one draw. His last fight in December 2024 ended in a draw after an accidental head clash stopped the bout early. European champion Cristobal Lorente was initially expected to face Conlan next, but Lorente will now fight Ruben Gil this weekend.
Conlan is eyeing a return to world title contention after unsuccessful attempts against Luis Alberto Lopez in 2023 and Leigh Wood in 2022. Under trainer Grant Smith, Conlan is focused on refining his skills but insists he won’t rush back until fully ready, as another defeat would likely end his title ambitions.
Should he defeat Bateson and potentially win another tough fight, a world title shot next year remains possible. However, from this point forward, the Belfast fighter has no room for error.
