Conlan blocking out jibes for ‘last roll of the dice’

Michael Conlan, a featherweight from Belfast, says he is “probably one of the most trolled fighters” in boxing, but he won’t allow online jibes to detract from his desire to excel professionally.

The 33-year-old admits that this is his “last roll of the dice” as he works toward a third tilt after falling short in his previous two world title fights.

In the second fight of a comeback that started in Brighton with a points win over Asad Asif Khan and improved his record to 19-3, Conlan will take on England’s Jack Bateson in Dublin on September 5.

Prior to that March victory, the Olympic bronze medalist had contemplated retiring after a pro-style loss to Jordan Gill in December of 2023 for 16 months.

He described the online abuse as “well-used to it” and continued. When it comes to this game, I’m a very selfish person. It’s a lot of work.

The dedication is visible for everyone to see because “I’ve missed a lot of my own children’s lives.”

Conlan has endured difficult circumstances throughout his career, not the least of which was when he was on the verge of defeating then-WBA champion Leigh Wood in the 12th round.

He now acknowledges that despite still having inner confidence, he is not infallible inside the squared circle because of harsh lessons in the ring that have given him a new perspective.

Conlan said, “Boxing is a sport you can love as much as you want, but it will never love you back.”

Ego is a big deal when playing fight games when you’re younger. Not everyone is Floyd Mayweather like you think you can’t be beatable and you’re never going to lose.

When you lose, boxing can humble you. You’re losing in front of the millions of people watching worldwide. It’s challenging.

You cause conversation,” Although it’s not a pleasant feeling, you soon learn that words are just words and that you can only use them to affect you if you allow them.

The 2015 world amateur champion has a plan for the following year, and should Bateson’s test be safe, he intends to fight later in the year in “perhaps in Belfast, Dublin, or even New York,” with the hope that this will lead to a second world title opportunity.

Conlan is aware, however, that if he is defeated on September 5th, they will be useless.

Conlan said, “Jack’s a tough opponent, so I think it’s the right fight at the right time.”

“If I were to lose and, listen, there is every chance of that,” I would happily say that’s it, but I’m not done until then.