Michael Conlan will fight in Dublin for the first time as a professional on Friday night when he takes on Jack Bateson at the 3Arena, and the Belfast man is expecting a tough night
Michael Conlan is delighted to be boxing in Dublin for the first time as a professional and anticipates a thrilling encounter when he faces Jack Bateson on Friday night.
Conlan will enter the 3Arena with thousands of supporters cheering him on as he takes on the formidable Bateson, who is making a significant leap in competition on what is undoubtedly the biggest evening of his career.
For Conlan, Friday’s homecoming is long overdue.
“Ah there’s loads of reasons (why he hasn’t fought in Ireland) but we’re here, we’re finally here albeit in the twilight of my career.
“I’m very excited for it and it’s going to be a great night.”, reports the Irish Mirror.
The 33 year old enters this fight with his career potentially hanging in the balance.
The former world title contender, who was brutally knocked out in the final moments whilst ahead against Leigh Wood in 2022, has found things difficult since that loss, managing just 3-2 in his five bouts following that devastating setback.
The Olympic bronze medalist from 2012 has a new promotion team behind him after he stepped back from Conlan Promotions which he founded with his brother Jamie in 2021.
He has also been working with a new trainer, Grant Smith, for the past year. The duo were successful in their first outing as a team in Brighton back in March, but this is a step up in class.
Ahead of this bout, Conlan has spoken about being at ease with whatever happens on Friday, but when pressed on what happens if he is defeated, it becomes clear that the Belfast man has no intention of living that nightmare.
“I’m not going to lose that’s the thing. What will be will be, everything we do is already written. I’ve put the work in, I’ve been in honest in the work I’ve put in and the craft which I’ve dedicated myself to which is boxing.
“I’m happy with where I’m at and I’ll make sure on Friday night that I win.”
He continued: “I’m not saying I’m not going to be nervous, of course I am. There’s a certain type of pressure, but to be honest, I don’t feel it in the same way I did when I was younger and the way I did when I was in different kinds of fights.
“I’m excited because this is the best I have felt coming into a fight in a long time. The training camp was fantastic, teaming up with Grant, it’s kind of revitalised me and I’m feeling great both physically and mentally.”
At 33 and with as many defeats as wins in his past six fights, Conlan could be considered something of a spent force. He even alluded to it himself on Wednesday, stating that he was in the twilight of his career.
However, Bateson is taking nothing for granted, and the former Team GB amateur star is expecting the two-time Olympian to roll back the years and look back to his best.
All told, Conlan is aware of the danger Bateson poses to his consciousness on Friday, and his career in general.
“From my side, I have a man that is very hungry. It’s his big opportunity, anyone that fights me – I’m their big opportunity, and whatever happens they’ll have big fights after.
“I know that I have a very hungry man who wants to come and take my head off on Friday night. I want to take his head off! I respect him, but no problem, that’s boxing. I’ve prepared as well as I’ve prepared for any other fight. There’s been no stone left unturned, no shortcuts taken.”
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