Michael Conlan will aim to become a world champion when he faces Luis Alberto Lopez this weekend.
The Belfast man has home advantage against the Mexican, who holds the IBF world featherweight belt.
Conlan came so close to being crowned world champion last year before being knocked through the ropes in his Nottingham showdown with Leigh Wood.
He has since defeated both Miguel Marriaga and Karim Guerfi in Belfast, while Lopez beat Josh Warrington in Leeds last Decemeber to win the IBF belt.
It's a busy night of action, with Irish fighters Kurt Walker, Kieran Molloy, William Hayden, Anthony Cacace, Conor Quinn, Padraig McCrory and Pierce O'Leary all in action on the undercard.
Here's everything you need to know:
Date and venue
Saturday, May 27 at the SSE Arena in Belfast.
Start time
The undercard is set to start at 4pm, while ring walks for the main event are expected to commence around 9pm.
TV and stream information
BT Sport 1 will show the action live from 6.30pm and it can also be streamed on the BT Sport App.
You can also follow updates with the Irish Mirror's live blog here.
Fight card
- Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Michael Conlan for IBF featherweight title
- Nick Ball vs. Ludomo Lumati
- Anthony Cacace vs. Damian Wrzesinski
- Conor Quinn vs. Juan Hinostroza
- Padraig McCrory vs. Diego Ramirez
- Pierce O'Leary vs. Alin Ciorceri
- William Hayden vs. Jordan Ellison
- Kieran Molloy vs. Lesther Espino
- Fearghus Quinn vs. Ruben Angulo
- Kurt Walker vs. Maicol Velazco
- James Freeman vs. Jordan Grannum
- Callum Thompson vs. Marian Istrate
Quotes corner
Michael Conlan: “I’m expecting the best Luis Alberto Lopez. I think he’s going to bring everything. He is going to be in the best condition. He’s going to try to knock me out, so I’m prepared for everything he’s going to try to do.
“I’ve experienced a lot of atmospheres throughout my career now. I’ve experienced it, so I know how to handle it now. I’m looking forward to the fight because I know I’m going to go in there and perform and beat him.
“He says his plan is to end things quickly. But I know he’s changed trainers a few times throughout this training camp. There are probably other things going on with him, so I don’t think he truly believes that. He has to say that for the cameras. And that’s okay. That’s no problem. I respect him as a fighter, but on Saturday night, I will be champion.”
Luis Alberto Lopez: “I want to show that I am a true champion. I’ve always been the ‘B side’ throughout my entire career, beating prospects. Now as a world champion I’m going to do more of the same. I want to finish Michael Conlan and then face the other world champions.
“I am used to this. I’ve fought in the United States. I’ve already fought in the United Kingdom two times. I am used to them not wanting me to win. Everyone wants to see me lose, but let’s not forget that I am the champion.
“They always say the same thing. They say they’re going to beat me, that they’re going to knock me out, that I’m going to look foolish, that they’re going to send me to go play soccer. They have told me everything. But at the end of the day, when we’re both in the ring, nothing of what they say ever happens.”
Bob Arum: “It’s been a great run with Mick. He’s a terrific young man. He is a really good fighter, and he’s stepping to the plate against a really tough world champion in Luis Alberto Lopez, who doesn’t hesitate to go into his opponent’s hometown and perform spectacularly.
"Mick knows it’s not going to be an easy fight. It’s going to be a very tough fight. All the people here in Belfast will have the opportunity to watch a classic, competitive championship fight. It may end up being the fight of the year.”
Betting odds
Michael Conlan win: 4/5
Luis Alberto Lopez: 11/10
Draw: 12/1
READ NEXT:
- Irish wonderkid courted by German clubs
- Ireland World Cup warm-up fixtures confirmed
- Celtic boss Postecoglou linked with Tottenham Hotspur job
- GAA chiefs hope to host NFL game at Croke Park within five years
- Rachael Blackmore given 5 day ban after controversial ride
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
