Luis Alberto Lopez makes the first defence of his IBF featherweight title in Belfast this weekend when he takes on hometown hero Michael Conlan at the SSE Arena.
Lopez is no stranger to fighting on another boxer’s turf, having edged out Josh Warrington by majority decision in Leeds to capture his belt at the end of last year.
For Conlan, it’s a second stab at a world title. ‘Mick’ was agonisingly close to picking up the WBA strap against Leigh Wood last year, but was stopped in the 12th and final round despite being well ahead on the scorecards.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of a top card in the Northern Irish capital.
Where: SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland
When: Saturday 27th May, 2023
How To Watch: BT Sport. The card will begin at 7pm (BST) with ringwalks for the main event scheduled for 10pm.
Tale Of The Tape:
Conlan
Place Of Birth: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Age: 31
Alias: Mick
Record: 18-1 (9)
Height: 5’8’’
Reach: 69’’
Stance: Switch-hitter
Last Fight: Conlan stopped France’s Karim Guerfi, 31-7 (9), in a single round at the SSE Arena in December.
Lopez
Place Of Birth: Mexicali, Mexico
Age: 29
Alias: El Venado
Record: 27-2 (15)
Height: 5’4’’
Reach: 66½’’
Stance: Orthodox
Last Fight: Lopez beat Josh Warrington by majority decision at the First Direct Arena in December.
What They Say:
Conlan: “This is a massive opportunity, fighting for the world title in Belfast is something I’ve always dreamed of and will be taking this opportunity with both hands.
“The SSE Arena will be buzzing, and I will do everything I can to bring a world title home. Credit to Lopez for coming to Belfast, but I am taking his title. He is not prepared for what is coming his way on May 27. Ireland will see a new champion crowned.”
Lopez: “I am a road warrior. Travelling to my opponent’s home country doesn’t faze me.
“I won my world title in Leeds, and now it's time to defend it in Belfast. The louder they cheer for Michael, the harder I will fight. The IBF title will remain in Mexico. May 27 will be a special night for me, and Michael’s fans will go home disappointed.”
Full Fight Card:
Luis Alberto Lopez vs Michael Conlan, IBF world featherweight title
Nick Ball vs Ludumo Lamati, featherweight
Anthony Cacace vs Damian Wrzesinski, IBO world super featherweight title
Conor Quinn vs Juan Hinostroza, super flyweight
Padraig McCrory vs Diego Ramirez, super middleweight
Pierce O’Leary vs Alin Florin Ciorceri, super lightweight
William Hayden vs Jordan Ellison, lightweight
Kieran Molloy vs Lesther Espino, welterweight
Fearghus Quinn vs Ruben Angulo, middleweight
Kurt Walker vs Maicol Velazco, featherweight
James Freeman vs Jordan Grannum, middleweight
Callum Thompson vs Marian Marius Istrate, lightweight
Betfred Odds:
Lopez: 10/11
Conlan: 20/21
Draw: 14/1
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
