Michael Conlan: I still believe I can be world champion. Tonight I showed a glimpse of that

Michael Conlan said he wants to remaining fights of his pro career to be held in either Dublin or Madison Square Garden. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Michael Conlan stopped Jack Bateson in the fourth round of their fight at the 3Arena in Dublin on Friday night. Conlan shouted "I'm back" as he celebrated the win.

A right hand from Conlan 22 seconds from the end of the round put Bateson on the canvas. The 31-year-old Englishman got to his feet, stumbled to the ropes and the referee called the bout to a halt. 

It was the second fight of Conlan's comeback, one which saw him claim the WBC International featherweight title. The 33-year-old is now 20-3 in his pro career.

"It was great, probably a bit eager at the start, but as I settled into it, it felt quite comfortable," said the 2012 Olympic bronze medallist.

"I just felt like I'm back, you heard me screaming that after.

"I'm probably one of the most criticised fighters from the island at times, but I proved to myself that I'm there. I know what I want, I still believe I can be world champion. I think tonight I showed a glimpse of that. I believe the performance still could have been better.

"I'm very excited, world title is what I want. If that's not a possibility, an eliminator, a final eliminator, or if it's not a possibility, the biggest fight, the biggest money possible somehow."

Conlan's promoter Kalle Sauerland said the Belfast boxer having a large supporter base means he may not have to go the eliminator route for a title fight. "I think a world title is an open air fight here (in Dublin)," said Sauerland. Conlan added that he hopes to fight before the end of the year with St Patrick's Day being his next preference. "One thing's for sure, I want the rest of my fights, either to be here in Dublin, or in MSG," said Conlan.

Sauerland added: "We strategise, we talk to the federations and we set out what we can for then Mick and his team and those close to him ultimately to choose. Those things have not changed from the press conference on Wednesday. Those are still massive Irish-British blockbusters, we know the names, Leigh Wood, Josh Warrington, couple of others maybe as well knocking about, but those are probably the two big ones.

"Then there's sort of the other avenue, which is of course a world title shot. Is there a way of merging the two? I don't know, we've done crazier things in boxing before, I'm sure there's ways of looking at that as well."