Michael Conlan blows Jack Bateson in four rounds at the 3arena and grabs the vacant WBC International Featherweight Title And maybe save his career in the process. Belfast broke out and Conlan shouted “I’m back!” On the shoulders of his coach like a man born again.
Conlan (now 20-3, 10 food) were written off by many after the defeat of Leigh Wood and Luis Alberto Lopez. Against 33 years oldSome call it a last chance. Bateson ((20-2-1, 6 COs) came to 30 younger and fresher and watched the type that Conlan could make overnight look old.
Was this knockout real salvation or a mirror?
Batesson started trying to box the fight, but Conlan looked patient, working behind the right and slipping into corners. The breakthrough came in round three: Conlan cut Bateson with a short left that shed him to the canvas.
Fourth, Bateson emerged to restore the land, but hurled at risk. Conlan’s counter ended up on the chin. Bateson’s legs immediately made way and folded him in the ropes. He hit the score, but couldn’t stable himself – Referee Hugh Russell Jr. blew it without a second thought.
It was brutal, clinical and striking: Bateson has never been stopped as a pro.
What’s left in the tank for Conlan?
This victory bought Conlan breathing room, but let’s really be-assesson is not a world-level headsheet. Talented, yes, but untested outside the domestic and benefits international level. The victory does not erase the heavy defeats on Conlan’s record, but it shows that it still has timing, calm and finish if the setup is right.
Conlan has credited a new coach Grant Smith, “Everything he said laid out and happened, and the finish was accompanied by it.” The way Conlan showed the counter shows that they drilled the shot in the camp.
Spiritually, Conlan also looks lighter. “Whether you like me or hate me, I’m still going to do what I’m going to do.” The shift – fighting without the weight of the outside noise – can be his most important weapon in the next phase of his career.
Take me
I would be honest – I thought Conlan was done. Too many beats, not enough stitch in his shots. But this knockout was clean, brutal and convincing. It has silenced doubters – for now.
Does it put him back in the global strife? Not yet. It was an execution of execution, not a complete rebirth. But if he fights loose, without the pressure of expectation, he is dangerous again. And Belfast will continue to show up, win or lose.
Complete Fight Car Rest results
- Michael Conlan stopped Jack Bateson in the fourth round
- Glenn Byrne saved Charly Lopez on points and took it 58–56.
- Kieran Molloy impressed with a third round of Nourdeen Toure.
- Charlie Edwards twice exceeded Salvador Juarez over ten rounds, 96–94 and 99–91.
- Cain Lewis controlled Erick Omar Lopez over four rounds and earned a 40-36 decision.
- Kevin Cronin beat Grant Dennis on points, scored 59-55.
- Then to the better of Khalid Ennachat, with 77-74.
- Codie Smith excluded Mario Victorino Vera and demanded a 60-54 verdict.
Last updated on 09/06/2025
