Michael Conlan eyes world title fight on St Patrick's Day after Bateson victory
Belfast boxer Michael Conlan stopped Jack Bateson in the fourth round to claim the WBC International featherweight title and now aims for a world title bout in New York or Dublin on St Patrick's Day.
Michael Conlan says his next goal is a world title fight on St Patrick's Day, either at Madison Square Garden or in Dublin, after his fourth-round stoppage of Jack Bateson.
The Belfast fighter landed a powerful right hand in round four to stop Bateson at Dublin's 3Arena, improving his record to 20 wins in 23 bouts and securing the vacant WBC International featherweight belt.
At 33, Conlan, who returned from a 16-month hiatus in March, now sets his sights on winning a world crown, having previously challenged Leigh Wood and Luis Alberto Lopez.
"A world title is my only goal in boxing," he said. "I'd love Madison Square Garden on St Patrick's Day, and if not, Dublin on St Patrick's Day. If it's not a world title, it has to be a major fight with big money."
Prepared for the moment
Conlan praised coach Grant Smith and described the decisive sequence: "We stayed patient. Switch stances, touch with the jab, then the right hand over the top. We've practiced it, we landed it, and it was over."
"I'm thrilled with the new setup and team. I feel I'm in the right place at the right time."
Building Dublin's boxing scene
The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist believes Dublin can match Belfast's vibrant fight culture. "Belfast has incredible talent. With big events like this, Dublin can grow and give the next generation a platform to shine."
Conlan's emphatic win and clear ambition underline his determination to secure a world title on a marquee date, cementing his status as one of Ireland's premier boxing talents.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport
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