Like Michael Conlan, Jack Bateson was once a distinguished amateur boxer at the international level, but unlike Conlan, he spent eight years of his professional career fighting mostly in smaller venues. Now Bateson has his long-awaited chance – their fight in Dublin.
Pictured: Jack Bateson takes on Michael Conlan to prove his point.
Jack Bateson could be forgiven for bitterly comparing Michael Conlan's career to his own.
Conlan was an outstanding amateur, a two-time Olympian and world gold medalist. He turned pro with great fanfare at Madison Square Garden. He had title chances against Lee Wood and Luis Alberto Lopez, but lost both.
A few months after Conlan made his professional debut in New York, Bateson made his own. Although Bateson was himself a leading amateur boxer at the international level, he began his professional career in a banquet hall on Elland Road. He fought mainly in smaller venues, despite winning several national amateur titles and a European Championship medal.
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It seems unfair. “Yeah, it is. I feel a bit slighted,” Bateson told Sky Sports. “I’ve never had the opportunity. Never got a contract from a big promoter. You see people come over with maybe one national title, sign a contract and be on TV!”
Bateson will face Conlan in Dublin on Friday to prove his case against the WBC featherweight champion. “I have to make the most of this,” the Englishman said. “My professional career has been a bit of a bummer, nothing much has happened and this is my chance.”
“He's so famous that we fight in his backyard. He's a big star in boxing. I think a lot of people will write me off.”
Pictured: Luis Alberto Lopez defeated Conlan in a fight for the IBF world title.
He believes he could send Conlan into retirement. “I’m a young fighter and I think it’s a very likely win for me,” Bateson said.
“I don't think I've had the same opportunities in my career that he's had. I think he's been given a lot of great opportunities that not everyone gets, and maybe they deserve them.”
If he loses again, he might retire. I think that's true. He was on the edge, and another loss would almost completely seal it.
“That can make him dangerous, but it can also be a source of a lot of pressure.”
In the photo: Bateson had to fight his way through the small hall
He warns Conlan not to underestimate him. “I really believe I can hurt him,” Bateson said. “I think he’ll be shocked that night when he realises I’m not the amateur chump he probably remembers from back then.”
Bateson is keen to take over the title from Yorkshire star Josh Warrington. “My career hasn't really taken off yet but hopefully this fight will really kick-start it. I've got a huge following in Leeds already,” he said.
“Beating Mick would just elevate the situation. Not just in Leeds but probably around the world.
“I think he's a brilliant fighter and what he's accomplished is class, but I wouldn't take this fight if I didn't think I could beat him.”
Sourse: skysports.com
