With only two defeats in his 62 bouts and having held world titles at four different weights, Canelo is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world – and a lucrative prize potentially for Saturday’s winner in Orlando.

“Canelo is without an opponent on 4 May currently and we will put Edgar’s name into the hat with an impressive performance on Saturday night but Padraig has other ideas,” promoter Eddie Hearn said at Thursday’s press conference.

Having made his professional debut at 28, McCrory has nine knock-out wins in his 18 victories, the most significant coming against Germany’s Leon Bunn in 2022 when he claimed the IBO light-heavyweight title.

Since then, the Belfast man has dropped down in weight to continue ambitions at super-middleweight and picked up the WBA Continental title with victory over England’s Steed Woodall in August.

Like McCrory, 26-year-old Berlanga is unbeaten with the American having won all 21 of his pro contests, with his most recent victory coming against Ireland’s Jason Quigley in June.

On how he will fare compared to Quigley, McCrory said he is a “different fighter” but is aiming to get revenge so “the Irish will be singing”.

“He’s not worried about me but that’s a big mistake, he’s in for a nightmare,” said McCrory.

“He’s a very good fighter. He’s the main event, the star, it’s the Berlanga show and I’m just here to show up but I think I have got what it takes to win this fight.

“People don’t expect me to win, I’m the big underdog, but on Saturday, the world is going to know my name.

“I see myself knocking him out, you’ve seen him hurt heavy, and I believe I have the power to do it. If it happens, and I truly believe it is going to, I will go down in Irish boxing history”