Conlan: "I'll have regrets if I don't fulfil my potential"
The star takes on Luis Alberto Lopez on Saturday for the IBF World Featherweight title
Last updated 24th May 2023
Michael Conlan says this weekend's world title fight against Luis Alberto Lopez is the opportunity for him to fully realise his potential.
The Belfast man meets the Mexican for the IBF Featherweight belt at the SSE Arena on Saturday night.
Having been knocked out by Leigh Wood in his previous world attempt, 31-year-old Conlan has bounced back with wins over Miguel Marriaga and Karim Guerfi to tee up a showdown with Lopez.
His opponent is a dangerous operator, having shown his class to oust Josh Warrington the last time out and Conlan says Lopez represents his toughest challenge to date.
"This means the world to me. I'll do everything it takes to win this title," says Conlan.
"I believe in my capabilities. I should be world champion and if I don't fulfil my potential of being world champion, I'd look back in 20 years with regret," he admitted.
Conlan admits that victory on Saturday would edge him towards the end of his professional boxing career.
"When I'm world champion, I'll be looking to make the biggest money fight I can. I want to be secure myself financially and, at the end of the day, that's what we're all in this for," he says.
"Once I can do that, once I'm secure, I'll be gone."