\n<\/p>\n
Having lost in previous world featherweight title challenges, it was always going to be a long road back for another shot.<\/p>\n
After his defeat to Gill in December 2023, Conlan sat out 2024 before admitting the only reason he was continuing to fight was to win that elusive world title.<\/a><\/p>\n It is must-win territory from here on in and under head trainer Grant Smith, he is making the adjustments required.<\/p>\n But the Belfast man has insisted he will not jump into action before he knows he is ready as this time a defeat will be the end.<\/p>\n It will take a little time to fully click yet Conlan still has the ability to draw a crowd and that pulling power opens doors.<\/p>\n Should he overcome Bateson, and possibly another test at a higher level, then a shot at one of the current champions is not beyond the realms of possibility next year. <\/p>\n But there is absolutely no room for error from here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n