Robson Conceicao has one mission at this point in his career and that is to become a world champion. 

After three failed attempts, the junior lightweight returns tonight (April 13) against Jose Ivan Guardado Ortiz as the televised opening bout on the ESPN main card that takes place from the American Bank Center, in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

A 2016 Olympic gold medalist in the lightweight division – who won the honor in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – he made a dream come true winning in his native land.

Now Conceicao, 17-2-1 (8 KOs), hopes the fourth time's a charm. Standing in his way is Ortiz (15-1-1), 25, who is 10 years younger than the 35-year-old Conceicao. 

The Brazilian fought Oscar Valdez and lost (though many pundits felt he should’ve won) for the WBC junior lightweight world title. His second bid saw him losing a lopsided unanimous decision to Shakur Stevenson with the WBC and WBO junior lightweight titles on the line – when Stevenson missed weight before the fight. His third attempt was a draw with Emanuel Navarrete for the WBO junior lightweight title. 

“I do think I could go for another title fight,” said Conceicao this week. “I think I will get another title shot soon.”

Conceicao currently holds the No. 2 ranking with the WBC. That belt is held by O’Shaquie Foster, who recently signed with Conceicao’s promoter, Top Rank Inc. 

Despite a lack of success in title fights, Conceicao reflected on his past fight with Navarrete which some might view as a turning point. Conceicao was dropped and hurt but still battled to a draw.

“For sure it was a tough fight with Emanuel Navarrete,” stated Conceicao. “It was a war and I learned a lot from it.”

The big question is, did he learn championship experience from his grueling bout last November? Tonight, Conceicao hopes to answer some of those questions and march toward his dream of a world title.