Gonzalez is making his third career title challenge on Friday evening, when he faces Luis Alberto Lopez for the IBF featherweight title.

Both attempts have failed in the past, so this could be third time lucky, or a defeat could consign him to second-tier fights for the rest of his time in the sport.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Gonzalez acknowledged the pressure is on him to take his chance.

"I've got to win," Gonzalez said. "Every time I step into the ring, I give it my all.

"Sometimes it's not your night. It is what it is. But I'm still here, and I'm going to give it my all every time.

"I'm expecting a great fight. It's a big day for Mexico. All I have to do is win and become the new IBF world champion. Plain and simple. I can't go home empty-handed."

Lopez, for his part, has been linked with WBO champion Robeisy Ramirez in a unification clash, and he has made it clear he will consider any potential rival.

"As long as it makes sense, I'll take on any name, I'll take on any challenge, I'll take on any fighter in the world," Lopez said.

"Me and my team will go anywhere. We've proven this before. We'll go to the end of the world."