I haven't had a es okes fight in ta Dublin and I'm so excited-at this late stage

CONLAN IS BUZZING IN TWILIGHT ZONE OF HIS CAREER

- OISIN DOHERTY

MICHAEL CONLAN is thrilled to be fighting in the Dublin for the first as a professional and is expecting a ding-dong battle when he squares off with Jack Bateson on Friday evening.

Conlan will step into the 3Arena with thousands roaring him on as he takes on the dangerous Bateson, who is taking a major step up in levels on what is undoubtedly the biggest night of his career.

For Conlan, Friday's homecoming of sorts is long overdue.

“Ah there's loads of reasons (why he hasn't fought in Ireland) but were here, were finally here albeit in the twilight of my career.

“Tm very excited for it and it’s going to be a great night”

The 33-year-old heads into this contest with his career potentially on the line. The former world title challenger, who was cruelly KOd at the death while leading Leigh Wood in 2022, has struggled since that defeat, and is 3-2 in the five fights since that heartbreak.