Michael Conlan vs Jack Bateson Keys to Victory: Breaking down tactics of each fighter

Michael Conlan will look to make another push towards a world title opportunity tonight when he fights Jack Bateson at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland.

The 33-year-old Irish fighter avoided a career collapse in March by defeating Asad Asif Khan by points to rebound from back-to-back TKO losses. He could insert his name back into the hunt for a featherweight world championship shot with a win over Bateson who is coming off a technical draw with Danny Quartermine in December.

Will Conlan (19-3, 9 KOs), a two-time featherweight title challenger, make another push for a championship with a significant win? Or will Bateson (20-1-1, 6 KOs) outpoint him with sweet science finesse?

With the stakes high in this pivotal bout, DAZN News breaks down the Keys to Victory for both fighters.

Michael Conlan’s Keys to Victory

Switch stances as deemed necessary

As Michael Conlan makes early reads on Jack Bateson, the onus will be on the Irish fighter to switch from his natural southpaw to orthodox.

Conlan does this within his flow of offense but can also make the switch to confuse the technically-sound Bateson as well.

Pressure forward, alternating the jab to the head and body

Watch Conlan fight and pressuring forward while alternating the jab to the head and body are crucial to his fight game and success.

Cutting off the ring behind the jab against Bateson could help Conlan dictate the pace of the fight and have his foot heavily mashing the gas pedal.

Produce measured combinations

When Conlan is at his best, his combinations are pieced together and measured, scoring points and banking rounds for the Irish warrior.

The combination attempts only backfire when Conlan gets a bit too overzealous and aggressive, leaving him vulnerable to counterpunches.

If Conlan keeps his combos tight and disciplined, though, he stands a solid chance to have his hand raised in victory at 3Arena to shove his name back into the title picture at 126 pounds.

Jack Bateson’s Keys to Victory

Establish quick jab early

With fast hands, Jack Bateson is able to establish his sniper-like jab early in many of his fights.

Doing this against an aggressor like Conlan can drive the veteran back and frustrate him into resetting his offense constantly.

Plus, it would allow Bateson to score points with judges in what could be hostile territory in Ireland for the British fighter.

Stay light on his feet

Bateson is already light on his feet on his five-foot-seven frame and he might have to use that swift movement around the ring to avoid harm’s way against a pressuring Conlan.

Doing this will force Conlan to work and could possibly fatigue him as Bateson revs his motor — one of his strengths.

Turn Conlan’s aggression against him

As Conlan cuts off the ring and forces phone booth action, it will be up to Bateson to use his movement and time the Irish fighter with pointed counterpunches.

Doing this could successfully fracture Conlan’s aggression and pacing, not to mention thrust Bateson’s name into the conversation for a possible featherweight world title shot in the near future.

Watch the biggest fights and best fighters with a DAZN subscription

A DAZN subscription provides access to over 185 fights a year across a range of combat sports from the world's best promoters.

For pricing and more information, click here