Michael Conlan declared his return to form with a dramatic stoppage of Jack Bateson at the 3Arena in Dublin on Friday night, capturing the vacant WBC International featherweight title in front of a raucous Irish crowd. The Belfast man, fighting in the capital for the first time as a professional, delivered a thunderous fourth-round finish that sent a message across the featherweight division.

The contest began with Bateson, from Leeds, attempting to use mobility and patience to settle into hostile territory. His disciplined approach in the opening two rounds prevented Conlan from finding early rhythm, with both men probing behind the jab and trading single shots. Bateson even appeared unshaken when a flash knockdown was ruled in the third round after a tangle of legs combined with a short right hand.

But the fourth round brought a decisive shift. Conlan’s educated lead hand pierced Bateson’s defence and created the opening. With just seconds remaining in the session, the 33-year-old unleashed a perfectly-timed right hook that floored his opponent heavily. Bateson bravely beat the count but was in no state to continue, forcing referee Robert Pavis to wave the bout off at 2:50 of the round.

The victory, Conlan’s twentieth in the paid ranks, was not only about adding silverware to his collection but also about proving that his comeback was real. Following consecutive defeats in 2023 and a less-than-convincing return against Asad Asif Khan earlier this year, the former world title challenger knew he needed to deliver a commanding performance. On this Dublin stage, he did just that.

Conlan’s display was a reminder of the talent that once carried him to Olympic bronze and world championship gold as an amateur. He switched stances with ease, mixed attacks to body and head, and crucially showed the sharpness and spite in his punches that many wondered if he still possessed. The crowd responded in full voice, their roar growing louder with every crisp exchange.

For Bateson, the defeat is a harsh setback. The Yorkshireman, now 20-2-1, boxed with intent and discipline but could not withstand the Irishman’s precision at the pivotal moment. Having suffered a technical draw last year, this stoppage loss leaves questions about how quickly he can rebuild momentum.

As the dust settled, Conlan’s celebrations were filled with pride and emotion. Nearly a decade after his last appearance in Dublin as an amateur, he finally graced the professional ring in the city — and left it with his hand raised, a new belt over his shoulder, and the sound of an adoring crowd echoing into the night.