Ireland's Michael Conlan v Bateson: TV channel, ringwalk time, fight card, odds and more

Irish boxing hero Michael Conlan is back under the lights tonight as he makes his long-awaited professional debut in Dublin.

The Belfast native takes on England's Jack Bateson at the 3Arena, with the vacant WBC International Featherweight title up for grabs.

It's a landmark moment for Conlan, who boxed countless times in the capital as an amateur but has never before fought there since turning professional in 2017. A sell-out crowd is expected, with fans eager to roar him on in what could prove a key step towards another shot at a world title.

When and where

The fight takes place at Dublin's 3Arena on Friday, September 5. Live coverage begins at 9pm, with the main event ringwalks estimated for around 10pm, though timings will vary depending on the undercard.

How to watch

Viewers in Ireland and the UK can tune in for free on Channel 5. The bout will also be available to stream via Sky Go, NOW TV, and Channel 5's on-demand service.

What's at stake

Conlan (19-3) is aiming to rebuild after two damaging defeats in 2023, followed by a return win over Asad Asif Khan in March. Now 33, he insists he must be at his "A-game" to beat Bateson and keep his world title ambitions alive.

Leeds fighter Bateson (20-1-1) is no pushover. The 31-year-old says he is ready to show "true Yorkshire grit" as he chases a career-defining away win in Dublin.

Odds and predictions

According to sponsors Ladbrokes, Conlan is the 4/9 favourite to triumph, with Bateson priced at 2/1. A decision win for Conlan is most likely at 10/11, while a stoppage is rated 10/3.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "Mick Conlan will have the whole crowd on his side on Friday night, and the odds suggest they'll be cheering on a new champion come close of play."

The soundtrack

Adding to the big-fight buzz is a brand-new anthem from viral songwriter Mick Konstantin. "Conlan Revolution" was written to capture the pride and passion of Irish fans as Conlan steps into the ring on home soil.

Songwriter Mick Konstantin said: “Conlan is one of Ireland’s favourite sons and a world-class boxer. The whole country is behind him and that’s what I wanted to convey in this song; that feeling of pride and passion.

"It was a lot of fun to write and definitely got me excited for the big fight night ahead where we’ll be cheering him on!”

The undercard

Also in action tonight is ex-WBC flyweight champion Charlie Edwards, who faces Salvador Juarez, while Ben Marksby takes on Irish prospect Senan Kelly in a clash of unbeaten fighters.

Full fight card:

Michael Conlan vs Jack Bateson; Featherweight
Charlie Edwards vs Salvador Juarez; Super flyweight
Ben Marksby vs Senan Kelly; Super lightweight
Dan Toward vs Khalid Ennachat; Super welterweight
Glenn Byrne vs Charly Lopez; Super welterweight
Dean Walsh vs Jamil Elo; Super welterweight
Kieran Molly vs Nourdeen Toure; Welterweight
Kevin Cronin vs Grant Dennis; Super middleweight
Codie Smith vs Mario Victorino Vera; Super featherweight
Paul Loonam vs Jake Pollard; Super bantamweight
Cain Lewis vs Erick Omar Lopez; Featherweight
Kian Hedderman vs Alexandru Crasnitchii; Cruiserweight