Win or retire? Conlan set for pivotal Bateson fight

Michael Conlan vs. Jack Bateson for the WBC international featherweight title

Date: Friday, September 5th, Ring walk: 22:00 BST (approx.) Location: 3 Arena, Dublin

Michael Conlan is focusing on the “what will be, will be” phase of his career while getting ready to take on England’s Jack Bateson on Friday in Dublin.

The Belfast featherweight, who had a career that included a multi-weight world title, has yet to come off the ground with two unsuccessful title attempts.

Conlan appears content with whatever may come his way, preferring a more measured approach to the rashness of youth.

The 33-year-old told BBC Sport NI, “I’m at peace with everything and for whatever happens on Friday night.”

“What will be, will be,” If I were to lose, I would be [career] finished, but if I won, I would advance to a world title. I need to give everything I can, and I’m willing to do that.

You’ve heard me say things like “it’s the last chance saloon” and “fantastic if I don’t win a world title,” but you’re right.

Conlan has headlined his own shows in Belfast and has headlined numerous events abroad, but he will also tick a new box when he takes on Irish opponents for the first time on Friday.

His last fight came in Brighton in March, where he won the points matchup against Asad Asif Khan for the first time since his December 2023 defeat to Jordan Gill.

Since Grant Smith’s guidance, the relationship between the fighter and head coach has grown stronger since the March contest.

Conlan described him as a “fabric coach and fantastic man away from boxing.”

He “tuned the things that needed to be tweaked.” You could probably find some evidence in the most recent fight that my defense is much better.

Conlan, a Belfast man, needs to win if he wants to keep his career on track. He should do so in a way that will offend the doubters and make the rest of the division aware that he still stands strong.

Although Conlan may be in charge, Leeds fighter Bateson, 31, who has a 20-1-1 record and is coming off a draw with Danny Quartermaine, will know when his own enormous opportunities come up in front of him.

Conlan said, “I have to win and put on a performance.”

I don’t put any pressure on myself to do that, but I do it anyway. With the work put in and how I’ve been performing in training camp, I know it will happen.

“I’m in a good place,” I said. Since it’s likely his last chance, I’m hoping for the best Jack Bateson. There are plenty of opportunities for him, and that’s why he is beating me.