| |
|
|
Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Michael Conlan
Final Press Conference
Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez and Michael “Mick” Conlan are
set to clash for Lopez's IBF featherweight world title this
Saturday, May 27, at a sold-out SSE Arena in Conlan’s
hometown of Belfast.
Lopez (27-2, 15 KOs) will make the first defense of his
title after capturing the crown against Josh Warrington in
enemy territory in Leeds, England. Conlan (18-1, 9 KOs) will
make his second attempt at a world title following last
March's valiant stand versus Leigh Wood.
Undercard fighters include undefeated featherweight Nick
Ball (17-0, 10 KOs) defending his WBC Silver title in a
12-rounder against Ludumo Lamati (21-0-1, 11 KOs), and
junior lightweight contender Anthony Cacace (20-1, 7 KOs),
who will take on Polish standout Damian Wrzesinski (26-2-2,
7 KOs) in a 12-round clash.
Promoted by Top Rank and Conlan Boxing, in association with
Queensberry Promotions, Lopez-Conlan and undercard bouts
will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S.
beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT.
At Thursday's press conference, this is what the fighters
and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum had to say.
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.”
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.”
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.”
|
|
|
