Since then, he's worked away quietly almost exclusively in his homeland before seizing an opportunity on January 30.

He earned a 10-round split decision win over seasoned contender Sulaiman Segawa (18-6-1, 7 KOs) for a vacant regional featherweight title on a ProBox show, launching him into the public consciousness.

In no mood to stay at that level, the 25-year-old jumped at an even bigger chance to face WBC titleholder Bruce Carrington (17-0, 10 KOs) on Saturday at Cleveland's Wolstein Center.

"I believe it's my time," Palacios (19-0-1, 10 KOs) told The Ring. "I wanted this fight to show the world that I'm capable and the best. These are the type of fights that need to happen and I need to prove myself."

20 fights and seven years into his pro career, Palacios recognizes the sizeable task ahead but believes his hunger will separate them come fight night.

"[Carrington] is a talented world champion but hasn't consolidated himself yet," said the challenger.

"I believe he [still] lacks [in some areas] and I'm going to show it on July 4. I'm very determined, like a starving dog.

The pair share a common opponent in Segawa. Carrington won a 10-round majority decision over the Ugandan in September 2024, while Palacios' coming out party came at the 35-year-old's expense earlier this year.

"He was a lot more complicated against Carrington than he was for me, I was able to adapt," Palacios said.

"I saw things in [Carrington's MD10 win over Segawa] we could capitalize on. I see a little similiarities between Segawa and myself that I can use in this fight and that's what we're going to do."

Palacios, who arrives after a three-month training block in Mexico, remains under the radar and that makes him even more dangerous.

"I feel Carrington is overlooking me and that's a big mistake on his part," he continued.

"I'm hearing talks about a fight with [Ring and undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya] Inoue, as well as others but I'm going to demonstrate who I am; I'm willing to do whatever it takes.

"I've been preparing all my life for this moment and I'm not going to let it go. On July 4, Mexico will have its 31st featherweight world champion - I promise you that."

Palacios' advisor Robert Diaz has known the world title challenger since his teenage years and was in no rush to reach this point, though stressed his fighter felt differently.

"Once the fight was presented to him, he was like, 'I want it.' I like hearing that from a young fighter. It wasn't about the money, nor anything but fighting for a world title and becoming world champion," Diaz said.

"He's working hard as always, he's happy, excited and I have a good feeling the fans are going to win. It's going to be a great fight and Mexico is going to have a brand new champion."

Carrington, The Ring's No. 3 featherweight, was a standout amateur before turning professional in October 2021. He enjoyed a breakout 2023 campaign, winning five fights and earning The Ring's Prospect of the Year award.

"Shu Shu" carried that momentum into 2024, turning into a contender with victories over Brayan De Gracia (TKO8) and Segawa before claiming the vacant WBC title with a ninth-round stoppage of Carlos Castro on January 31.