Vasyl Lomachenko vs Guillermo Rigondeaux: Official weights

The best part is Conlan wants to face the best competition possible, something that will challenge him in his quest to one day fight for a world title belt.

Ukrainian Lomachenko, 29, will head into the fight a slight favourite over his 37-year-old Cuban rival Rigondeaux - but for many, the contest is too tough to call. The six round bout will open the "Top Rank Boxing on ESPN" telecast (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT).

The 26-year-old Conlan (4-0, 4 knockouts) stopped Kenny Guzman in his last bout on September 22 in Tucson, Arizona.

Lomachenko's record is 9-1 with seven knockouts.

"In my last fight I gave my best performance".

Conlan, who trains in the Los Angeles area, has improved his skill-set, thanks primarily to trainer Manuel "Manny" Robles and sparring with the likes of world titleholders Oscar Valdez and Jessie Magdaleno. "I'm excited for him to perform on such a big stage in front of the media that are going to be covering such a big card".

That is all good with Conlan.

"I am telling you without any reservation that Vasyl Lomachenko is the greatest fighter that I've seen since Muhammad Ali", legendary promoter Bob Arum told the BBC earlier this week. "I am happy were I am at".

"I feel like I'm moving along nicely - four wins, four KOs so far and it'll be five at the weekend".

Just like he did in the Ibarra fight, Conlan wants to make a statement Saturday night.

"This guy, I have never seen a fighter as technically ideal as he is". I already believe it is my home from home. "Then I'll enjoy Christmas and be back at it in the new year". "Two great, great fighters with two unbelievable pedigrees facing each other".