Michael Conlan: Belfast boxer keen on St Patrick’s Day world title fight after win over Bateson

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.”