Conlan won gold as an amateur at the World Championships in 2015 Belfast featherweight Michael Conlan is set to face Jack Bateson on 5 September in Dublin. The 33-year-old returned to winning ways in March with a points win over Asad Asif Khan after a 15-month absence from the ring following defeat by Jordan Gill in December 2023. Leeds fighter Bateson has a record of 20 wins, one defeat and one draw, and is a former British super-bantamweight champion. The 31-year-old's last outing against Danny Quartermaine in December 2024 ended in a draw after an accidental clash of heads saw both fighters cut and the fight stopped in the second round. After victory over India's Khan in March, European champion Cristobal Lorente was expected to be lined up next for Conlan but the Spaniard will instead face countryman Ruben Gil this weekend. The Belfast fighter is looking to get back into World Championship contention after coming up short in his two previous title shots against Luis Alberto Lopez in May 2023 and Leigh Wood in March 2022. Having lost in previous world featherweight title challenges, it was always going to be a long road back for another shot. After his defeat to Gill in December 2023, Conlan sat out 2024 before admitting the only reason he was continuing to fight was to winthat elusive world title. It is must-win territory from here on in and under head trainer Grant Smith, he is making the adjustments required. But the Belfast man has insisted he will not jump into action before he knows he is ready as this time a defeat will be the end. It will take a little time to fully click yet Conlan still has the ability to draw a crowd and that pulling power opens doors. Should he overcome Bateson, and possibly another test at a higher level, then a shot at one of the current champions is not beyond the realms of possibility next year. But there is absolutely no room for error from here.
Conlan set for September return in Dublin
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Michael Conlan to Face Jack Bateson in Dublin on September 5"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Belfast featherweight Michael Conlan is preparing for a significant return to the boxing ring on September 5, where he will face Jack Bateson in Dublin. This matchup is crucial for Conlan, who is eager to reestablish himself in the sport after a challenging period away from competition. Following a notable win over Asad Asif Khan in March, which marked his first victory after a 15-month hiatus, Conlan aims to build on this momentum. His previous fight against Jordan Gill in December 2023 ended in disappointment, prompting a reevaluation of his career trajectory. Bateson, a formidable opponent with a professional record of 20 wins, one loss, and one draw, is also looking to make a statement following a recent draw against Danny Quartermaine. This bout promises to be a pivotal moment for both fighters as they seek to advance their careers in a competitive boxing landscape.
Conlan has faced the challenges of the boxing world head-on, especially after two unsuccessful attempts at capturing a world title against Luis Alberto Lopez and Leigh Wood in 2022 and 2023, respectively. With the stakes now higher, Conlan acknowledges that his path to another title shot involves a must-win mentality. Under the guidance of head trainer Grant Smith, he is making necessary adjustments to his fighting style and strategy. Despite the pressure, Conlan is adamant about not rushing back into the ring until he feels fully prepared, as he recognizes that a loss could jeopardize his ambitions for a world championship. The upcoming fight against Bateson is not just about victory; it represents a critical step towards potentially challenging for a title again in the near future. Conlan's ability to attract fans remains strong, and a successful outcome in this bout could open doors for future opportunities in the boxing world, making it essential for him to perform at his best without any room for error.
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