Michael Conlan’s bounce-back ability from his first professional setback has earned him a world title shot against newly minted IBF featherweight champ Luis Alberto Lopez at the SSE Arena in Belfast. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will be broadcast by BT Sport in the U.K. and ESPN+ in the U.S.
MORE: Sign up to watch Lopez vs. Conlan, exclusively on ESPN+
In March of last year, Conlan, 31, came out on the wrong end of a 12th-round stoppage defeat to Leigh Wood in what was later named Fight of the Year by Ring Magazine. However, the determined Irishman has roared back with dominant wins over Miguel Marriaga (UD 10) and Karim Guerfi (TKO 1).
Now firing on all cylinders, the Belfast man is supremely confident of victory over Lopez.
"This is a massive opportunity, fighting for the world title in Belfast is something I’ve always dreamed of and I will be taking this opportunity with both hands," Conlan said.
"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, 29, has certainly made an audacious choice by selecting Conlan in Belfast for the maiden defence of his crown. However, this isn’t the Mexican star’s first rodeo. In December, Lopez dethroned then-champion Josh Warrington in Leeds, England, to claim the championship. To say that atmosphere was hostile is an understatement.
"I am a road warrior. Traveling to my opponent’s home country doesn’t faze me," said Lopez.
"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."
The Sporting News tells you all you need to know about this eagerly anticipated featherweight shootout:
When is Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Michael Conlan?
- Date: Saturday, May 27 | Sunday, May 28
- Main card: 2 p. m. ET | 7 p. m. GMT | 4 a. m. AEDT
- Main event: 4 p.m. ET | 9 p.m. GMT | 6 a.m. AEDT
Lopez vs. Conlan takes place on May 27 (May 28 in Australia).
How to watch Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Michael Conlan
| Country | Date | Channel + Live Stream (main card) |
| United States | Sat. May 27 | ESPN+ |
| United Kingdom | Sat. May 27 | BT Sport |
| Australia | Sun. May 28 | TBC |
Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Michael Conlan price: How much does the card cost?
Lopez vs. Conlan is live on ESPN+ PPV in the US, and can be streamed on ESPN+. The event will air on BT Sport in the UK.
You can pay $9.99 for a monthly subscription to ESPN+ or buy an annual subscription for $99.99.
| Product | Prices |
| ESPN+ Monthly Subscription | $9.99/month |
| ESPN+ Annual Subscription | $99.99/year |
| The Disney Bundle w/Hulu Ad-Supported | $13.99/month |
| The Disney Bundle w/Hulu No-Ads | $19.99/month |
The fight is available for no extra charge to BT Sport subscribers, or a monthly BT Sport pass costs £29.99 per month with no contract.
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When is Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Michael Conlan?
The bout takes place on Saturday, May 27, 2023 (May 28 in Australia). The event starts at 2 p. m. ET | 7 p. m. GMT | 4 a. m. AEDT.
Lopez and Conlan should make their way to the ring around 4 p.m. ET | 9 p.m. GMT | 6 a.m. AEDT, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
Where is the Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Michael Conlan fight taking place?
The bout will take place at the SSE Arena in Belfast (formerly the Odyssey), which has a capacity of 11,000.
Over the past two years, Lopez has become accustomed to fighting away from home.
This is Conlan’s home turf, with the Irishman having made three prior appearances at this particular venue.
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Odds for Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Michael Conlan
Per SkyBet, both fighters are priced at -110 for the win. The draw is +1200.
How to buy tickets for Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Michael Conlan
Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.ie
Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Michael Conlan undercard
- Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Michael Conlan, IBF featherweight title
- Nick Ball vs. Ludumo Lamati, WBC Silver featherweight title
- Anthony Cacace vs. Damian Wrzesinski, IBO Super featherweight title
- Padraig McCrory vs. Diego Ramirez, Super-middleweight
- Pierce O'Leary vs. Alin Florin Ciorceri, WBC International super lightweight title
- Conor Quinn vs. Juan Hinostroza, Super flyweight
- William Hayden vs. Karl Sampson, Lightweight
- Kieran Molloy vs. Lesther Espino, Welterweight
- Fearghus Quinn vs. Ruben Angulo, Middleweight
- Kurt Walker vs. Maicol Velazco, Featherweight
- James Freeman vs. TBA, Welterweight
- Callum Thompson vs. Marian Marius Istrate, Lightweight
MORE: How to bet on combat sports
Luis Alberto Lopez record, titles won
- Nationality: Mexican
- Born: August 21, 1993
- Height: 5-4 (163 cm)
- Reach: 66.5 in (169 cm)
- Total fights: 29
- Record: 27-2 with 15 wins via knockout
Michael Conlan record, titles won
- Nationality: Irish
- Born: November 19, 1991
- Height: 5-8 (173 cm)
- Reach: 69 in (175 cm)
- Total fights: 19
- Record: 18-1 with 9 wins via knockout
