Michael Conlan: The Belfast boxer’s ‘The Whole Life’ revolves around the title fight against Alberto Lopez

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“The most important fight I’ve ever had” – Conlan

Luis Alberto Lopez versus Michael Conlan
Venue: SSE Arena, Belfast Date: Saturday 27th May
Reporting: Live text commentary, report and reaction on the ` Sport website

“Thank you for coming to Belfast. You are very welcome here, but on Saturday night I will be champion.”

Belfast is known for its hospitality but Michael Conlan could not have been more candid as he spoke about the city’s big event on Saturday.

Mexican Luis Alberto Lopez travels to Northern Ireland to defend his IBF Featherweight title at the SSE Arena.

In the other corner, a hungry and determined Conlan is looking to secure his first world title on home soil.

After his dramatic loss to Leigh Wood in Nottingham last year, there’s no doubting what made Conlan want a shot at the biggest prize.

“I definitely want it more. I’m 31 now and I won’t be boxing for the next ten years,” he said.

“I want to make sure I’m champion this time and capitalize on it after that.”

“I definitely want it more, it’s more fun to drive for me, my whole life depends on it.”

“I’m ready for anything. The talking is over. I have respect for Luis Alberto, but I’ll give everything there and I’ll be champion.”

If Conlan passes the test on Saturday, he could become the first Irish man to become world champion at both amateur and professional levels. That’s what’s at stake.

The atmosphere at the pre-fight press conference provided a foretaste of what was to come: Conlan and Lopez supporters clamored in support of their respective man, and both fighters grinned in return as “and the new guy…” or “and still… .’ was heard in the Europa Hotel.

“I’ve experienced a lot of atmospheres in my career now, some crazy and crazy atmospheres, and I know Saturday night won’t be any different,” Conlan added.

“I know how to deal with it now because I’m more experienced. I’ll show that, go out, perform and be able to beat Luis.”

“I just expect the best Luis Alberto Lopez. He will try to bring everything. He’s going to be at his best and at his best and he’s going to try and knock me out. I’m prepared for anything.” He’ll try.

Will the partisan atmosphere unsettle Lopez? It’s unlikely. The 29-year-old arrived at Josh Warrington’s home ground in Leeds and beat all odds to win his first world title in December.

He previously faced and defeated Isaac Lowe in London. This is not an easy task.

“This Saturday night I want to prove that I’m a real champion,” Lopez said through his translator.

“I’m used to it, I’m used to this kind of environment. I have traveled and this is my third time in the UK. I beat the other two guys. Sometimes everyone wants me to lose.” But don’t forget that I’m a world champion.

“Every time they tell me I’m going to lose, I’ll get knocked out or I’ll have a poor performance – at the end of the day, when I jump in the ring, it’s the two of us. I’m used to it and I’ll get the win.

“I respect Michael Conlan, he’s a great fighter. Every fighter wants to be world champion and for me it was a really, really hard road.”

“So don’t forget that I am the champion and I will return to Mexico as a champion.”

image source, Getty Images

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Luis Alberto Lopez’s record is 27-2

“Conlan at its peak”

Adam Booth, Conlan’s longtime trainer, said his fighter is “at his peak” and ready for the challenge of defeating the Mexican.

“Mick is at the peak of his career given his age, experience and development as a fighter,” he said.

“That’s why we rely on the highest level of competition and the highest level of performance.”

“I’m really excited to see how he performs on Saturday.”

Booth added that to prepare for Lopez, you have to “try to imagine what it’s like to be him.”

“He comes across as a fast, strong, tough, fierce and fearless street fighter.

“When I say fierce, I mean getting into a fight is out of the question for him. There are clear and obvious threats from him.”

“But as with any fighter, your strengths can be your weaknesses. We focused on the threats it poses and practiced how to deal with them over and over again.”