Lopez vs Conlan: Date, fight time, undercard, latest odds, predictions and ring walks
On a standout UK boxing world championship night that sees Lawrence Okolie defend his WBO cruiserweight title against Chris Billam-Smith in Bournemouth, it’s a massive night in the featherweight division especially as Leigh Wood tries to win back the WBA belt from Mauricio Lara in Manchester.
Things start with Conlan trying to dethrone another 126-pound Mexican champion in Lopez, who knocked out Josh Warrington on points in a close fight in Leeds in December to clinch IBF gold and claim a first world title.
The 2012 Olympic bronze medalist is desperate to become world champion on home soil at the second attempt, after being emphatically stopped by Wood at the end of an all-out thriller in Nottingham last March, losing as a professional to the first time.
He’s been on the comeback trail ever since, edging out Miguel Marriaga before producing a sensational first-round knockout of former European title holder Karim Guerfi before Christmas.
Lopez vs Conlan date, start time, location and ring walks
Lopez vs Conlan will take place on Saturday May 27, 2023 at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The undercard is due to start at 4pm BST, with main event ring walks scheduled no earlier than 9pm to avoid a clash with Okolie-Billam-Smith and Lara-Wood 2.
As always, these exact times are subject to change, depending on the length of the undercard bouts.
Lopez vs. Conlan fight card / subcard in full
On Saturday’s undercard, Belfast’s Anthony Cacace defends his IBO world super featherweight title against Damian Wrzesinski, while Nick Ball puts his WBC silver featherweight bracelet on the line against Ludomo Lamati.
Pierce O’Leary of Dublin is also defending his WBC International light welterweight title against Alin Ciorceri of Romania.
Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Michael Conlan
Anthony Cacace vs. Damian Wrzesinski
Nick Ball vs Ludomo Lamati
Pierce O’Leary vs. Alin Ciorceri
Conor Quinn vs. Juan Hinostroza
Padraig McCrory vs Diego Ramirez
William Hayden vs. Jordan Ellison
Kieran Molloy vs Lesther Espino
Fearghus Quinn vs Ruben Angulo
Kurt Walker vs. Maicol Velazco
James Freeman vs. Jordan Grannum
Callum Thompson vs. Marian Istrat
Lopez dethroned Josh Warrington via a close decision at Leeds before Christmas
/ Getty ImagesHow to watch Lopez vs. Conlan
TV channel: In the UK, Lopez vs Conlan is shown live on BT Sport, with coverage starting at 6.30pm BST on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate.
Direct: BT Sport subscribers can also follow the action live online via the BT Sport website and app.
Lopez vs Conlan fight prediction
It’s the biggest fight in Belfast since Unforgettable Nights with Carl Frampton, but a hostile atmosphere surely won’t bother Lopez that much.
The ‘Road Warrior’ earned that moniker for a reason and is no stranger to getting results on his travels, just as he showed against Isaac Lowe at York Hall in December 2021 and in front of the Warrington enthusiast faithful. in Leeds last time.
Lopez is a shrewd operator who stunned Warrington with his strong start, showing excellent ring craft and bouncing back from an awkward cut to fight fire with fire and make a decision on two of the three judges’ scorecards.
He will have to repeat that feat against Conlan, who is eager to claim his first world title and make history that last minute loss to Wood in which he was on course for a thrilling points victory before being literally knocked through the ropes brutally. mode during the final round in Nottingham.
Conlan’s first world title challenge ended in a brutal last-minute loss to Leigh Wood
/ Getty ImagesConlan got too far ahead of himself in this fight, activating the style but getting overconfident when he didn’t need to, taking unnecessary risks against a hard-hitting opponent he paid the price for.
If he can keep his cool here, box sensibly and smartly amid tremendous Belfast support, then he should have what it takes to face a close fight on the cards and finally become world champion.
Conlan wins on points.
Lopez vs. Conlan weigh-in results
Weigh-ins for the Saturday night card are scheduled to take place on Friday. Then come back for the results.
Lopez vs. Conlan Odds
Lopez winner: 11/10
Conlan winner: 8/11
Draw: 16/1
Lopez wins by KO/TKO: 7/2
Conlan winner by KO/TKO: 6/1
Lopez wins by points or by decision: 12/5
Conlan wins by points or by decision: 6/5
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
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