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Gareth Fullerton

Michael Conlan admits 'this is the pinnacle' as he plots world title glory in Belfast

Fighting for a world title in Belfast. A golden shot at redemption in his home city.

It doesn't get any bigger than this for Michael Conlan.

Fourteen months on from his devastating loss to Leigh Wood, the 31-year-old will once again bid to become world champion when he faces IBF featherweight king Luis Alberto Lopez at the SSE Arena tonight.

Read more: Cacace feeling 'fresh at 34' but accepts 'there's no room for error'

One of Ireland's standout amateurs, Conlan's professional career has carried plenty of hype, hope and expectation.

And now he stands on the cusp of greatness, and history.

If he beats Lopez, he will also become the only male Irish fighter to have won world titles in the amateurs and professional ranks.

"It is great to have this opportunity to fight for a world title in my home city at 31. it is special and means the world to me," Conlan said.

"To win the world title on Saturday night would be the pinnacle for me. This means everything and I will do everything I can to win.

"But the most important thing is winning, no matter how I do it.

"It will be a cauldron atmosphere inside the SSE Arena on Saturday night but I just have to be calm and relaxed. I just have to be me."

Conlan and Lopez shared a respectful embrace before Thursday's press conference in Belfast.

IBF World featherweight champion Luis Alberto Lopez (INPHO/Conlan Boxing/Caelan Conway)

There was no trash talk on stage, no needle or expletive outbursts for reporters to dine out on.

No amount of verbal sparring could unravel Lopez, a man who dethroned teak-tough Josh Warrington in his own back yard.

"There is great respect between us and that's the way it should be," Conlan said.

"He is the champion and I respect him completely. I think he is a fantastic fighter and I need to go in and put on a big performance and I believe I will.

"He is relaxed, I am relaxed. This is probably the most relaxed I have been on fight week.

"I usually get up for it at the press conference but I have kept it respectful. I think that is the right way to approach it."

At 31, much has been made about Conlan's future if he loses out against Lopez.

The Falls Road native accepts time is not on his side, but he insists that has only whetted his appetite even more.

“I definitely want it more,” he said.

“After failing last year, a hard one to take, I got straight back on the horse with two good victories. I’m 31 now and know I’m not going to be in boxing for another 10 years, so I want to make sure I become champion this time and capitalise on everything after that.

“There’s so much more riding on this for me, my whole life is on this one, and I’m ready for everything.

“I’ve a lot of respect for Luis. He can say what he wants, but on Saturday night I’ll give everything in there and will be champion.”

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