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6 hours ago
Michael Conlan says his ambition is to fight for a world title in New York or Dublin on St Patrick’s Day after winning the second fight of his comeback to the ring on Friday night.
The Belfast boxer stopped Jack Bateson in the fourth round at Dublin’s 3Arena with a stunning right hand to secure his 20th win from 23 professional fights.
The 33-year-old claimed the vacant WBC International featherweight title as a result but told BBC Sport NI after the contest that his eyes were now firmly fixed on a third crack at a world crown, after previous unsuccessful attempts against Leigh Wood and Luis Alberto Lopez.
“I want a world title, it’s the only thing I want in boxing. The only reason I’m still boxing is to win a world title,” said Conlan, who took a 16-month sabbatical from the ring before beating Asad Asif Khan in March.
“You can make big money on the way but a world title is where my head’s at. If it’s not that it has to be a big fight that’s worth an awful lot of money.
“For a world title fight I’d love to have it at Madison Square Garden in New York on St Patrick’s Day and if not then Dublin on St Patrick’s Day.”
‘In the right place at the right time’
Conlan credited his coach Grant Smith after the fight, and described the lead up to the punch that proved decisive and saw the fight stopped with 10 seconds remaining of round four.
“We knew not to get carried away too early, just get the job done. We knew we would get it done eventually,” he said.
“Change stances, switch from southpaw back to orthodox, touch, jab, right hand over the top. We’ve worked on it, landed, game over.
“I’m buzzing. I’m really enjoying it, being in the new set-up, the new team. I just know I’m in the right place at the right time. I’m very happy.”
Conlan says his experience of fighting in the Irish capital makes him believe Dublin can become a renowned boxing city like his native Belfast.
“I want to make Dublin like Belfast. Belfast is unbelievable, the talent that we have,” he said.
“With big shows like this Dublin can become like that and build the opportunity for the next generation to become stars.”
