Irish hero Conlan faces England’s Bateson at 3Arena as he continues path back towards world title shot
Wasserman Boxing, in association with Ladbrokes and Infinitum, bring you Return of the Mick
Michael Conlan’s route back to a world title shot takes him to Dublin on September 5 and a showdown with Jack Bateson, live on 5.
Conlan faces England’s Bateson at 3Arena, with a sell-out crowd expected for the Irish hero’s first ever professional contest in the city.
Featherweight star Conlan, who signed with global promoters Wasserman Boxing earlier this year, ended over 12 months out of the ring, with a points victory over Asad Asif Khan in Brighton, in March.
But for the second fight of his comeback, Conlan, 33, has raised the stakes as he takes on former Great Britain amateur Bateson for the vacant WBC International Featherweight title, over 10 rounds.
Leeds favourite Bateson, 31, has lost just once in his 22-fight pro career - to current IBO world champion Shabaz Masoud - and holds little fear in locking horns with Conlan in Dublin.
For 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.”
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 5th.
“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.”
Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “The atmosphere inside 3Arena on September 5 is going to give you goosebumps.
“Michael is fighting in Dublin for the first time since his amateur days and the moment his iconic ring walk begins, the crowd are going to take the roof off the place.
“Jack Bateson is coming into the lion’s den, but he poses real danger to Michael’s world title plans, and our man knows there is no margin for error.
“But with the Irish fans in full voice, and 3Arena rocking, we know Mick will rise to the occasion and secure the win on what promises to be a night that Irish boxing will never forget.”
Also on the Wasserman show in Dublin, former world flyweight champion Charlie Edwards makes his return to the ring, while the fast-rising Ben Marksby takes on local favourite Senan Kelly, in a battle of unbeaten prospects.
Further undercard announcements will follow.
