Jack Bateson, from Leeds, England, is the next fighter standing between Michael Conlan and the Irish star’s world title dreams.
Conlan and Bateson will meet at Dublin’s 3Arena in what will be Conlan’s first fight in the city.
The Belfastman, a two-time Olympian, won an eight-rounder against Asad Asif Khan in Brighton in March in his first contest since teaming up with new promoters, Wasserman, and new trainer Grant Smith.
That ended a 15-month exile after back-to-back losses against Luis Lopez and Jordan Gill. Now 33, Conlan is shaping up for one last run at a world crown.
Bateson, 31, was a talented amateur, boxing for Team GB, and he meets Conlan for a minor WBC featherweight title in a 10-rounder.
“I’ve had a frustrating few months, waiting for the right opportunity to present itself,” said Bateson.
“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 5. 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.”
That lone loss in 22 fights came to Shabaz Masoud – stopped in the 12th and final round in 2022 – and, now 20-1-1 (6 KOs) following a clash of heads technical draw in his last fight, against Danny Quartermaine (in December), Bateson is keen to make the most of his opportunity in a bout that will be screened by Channel 5 in the UK.
Conlan, 19-3 (9 KOs), said it was an honor to be headlining in Dublin.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Promoter Kalle Sauerland is expecting a special night in Ireland.
“The atmosphere inside 3Arena on September 5 is going to give you goosebumps,” he said. “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 bill, there will be appearances from former flyweight champion Charlie Edwards, and 12-0 junior welter Ben Marksby meets 10-0 Senan Kelly.
