01-07-2025
Michael Conlan confirms next fight as he lines up clash with former British champion
The Belfast man made his return to the ring in March when he defeated Asad Asif Khan in Brighton following a 16-month absence after back-to-back defeats to Luis Alberto Lopez and Jordan Gill in 2023.
It was expected that Conlan would fight Cristobal Lorente for the Spaniard's European title, but he has instead taken on a fight with fellow countryman Ruben Gil this weekend.
That means Bateson will be the man in his way instead, the Leeds man boasting a record of 20 wins, one draw and just one defeat, although he hasn't fought since December when he drew with Danny Quartermaine after a clash of heads left both men cut and the fight stopped in the second round.
Conlan is looking to work his way back into world title contention after his last two deciders, against Leigh Wood in March 2022 and Lopez in May 2023, ended in defeat.
This will be the 33-year-old's first fight in Dublin of his career, with the former Olympic bronze medallist hoping this will be the latest step on his way back to the top of the sport.
