Lopez vs Conlan: Huge featherweight world title clash comes to BT Sport
Luis Alberto Lopez will defend his IBF featherweight world title for the first time against Michael “Mick” Conlan on Saturday, May 27 at the SSE Arena in Conlan’s hometown of Belfast.
Lopez clinched the title last December when he ventured into Josh Warrington’s home base of Leeds, England for a majority decision.
Lopez-Conlan and undercard fights will be broadcast live and exclusively on BT Sport in the UK, while fans in the US can follow the action on ESPN+.
Promoted by Top Rank and Conlan Boxing, in association with Queensberry Promotions, tickets go on sale on Friday 31st March at 11am via www.Ticketmaster.ie.
“The passionate Belfast fans will fill the SSE Arena hoping to lead their hero, Michael Conlan, to a world title. I also know that Luis Alberto Lopez is thriving in enemy territory and won’t relinquish his title without a tremendous fight,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
“Belfast haven’t had a major World Cup match in six years. Michael’s fans have traveled far and wide throughout his career and can now recreate the cauldron-like atmosphere the SSE Arena is known for in the biggest fight of his career. Luis Alberto Lopez is a very dangerous fighter and an amazing champion who has a reputation for going into the enemy’s backyard and knocking over the apple cart, so we’re in for a barn burner on May 27th,” said Jamie Conlan, CEO of Conlan Boxing .
Lopez (27-2, 15 KOs) from Mexicali, Mexico, navigated rough terrain to become world champion. After early-career losses to Abraham Montoya and Ruben Villa drained his momentum, Lopez delighted American fight fans with his July 2020 split-decision victory over Andy Vences in the MGM Grand Bubble.
Fourteen months later, he dominated then-undefeated junior lightweight contender Gabriel Flores Jr. over 10 rounds. Lopez then transitioned to featherweight and stopped another undefeated opponent, Isaac Lowe, in seven rounds at London’s York Hall. After two diligent victories he got his shot at the title, turning an expected triumphant homecoming in Leeds into disappointment for Partisan fans.
“I’m a street fighter. I don’t mind going to my opponent’s home country,” Lopez said.
“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’ll fight. The IBF title stays in Mexico. May 27th will be a special night for me and Michael’s fans will go home disappointed.”
Conlan (18-1, 9 KOs) turned professional in 2017 after enjoying a successful Irish amateur career with two Olympic places, an Olympic bronze medal and gold medals at World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games. His double middle finger salute to the judges at the Rio 2016 Olympics made him a fighting folk hero, and as a pro he has proven himself on the world stage. Last March, he nearly captured the WBA featherweight crown from Leigh Wood in Wood’s hometown of Nottingham, England. Conlan, ahead on all three scorecards, was eliminated in Round 12 of ESPN’s Fight of the Year.
Wood’s disappointment didn’t last as Conlan returned later that year with victories over Miguel Marriaga and Karim Guerfi in the SSE Arena. Five months after beating Guerfi in one round, Conlan returns to the friendly SSE Arena, ready to capitalize on his championship moment.
“This is a huge opportunity to fight for the world title in Belfast, it’s always been a dream of mine and I’ll take this opportunity with both hands,” said Conlan.
“The SSE arena will be buzzing and I will do everything to bring home a world title. Credit to Lopez for coming to Belfast, but I’ll take his title. He’s unprepared for what’s coming on May 27th. A new champion will be crowned in Ireland.”
Tickets go on sale Friday 31st March at 11am via www.ticketmaster.ie