‘The Mexican’ - already rated second by the WBO and ninth by the IBF - is seeking to crash the WBC rankings and move further towards a shot at a world title later in the year.
"Hopefully a great performance on Friday will finally lead to a huge fight against a big name at a massive arena," said the reigning Commonwealth champion, who has won all 18 pro fights with 11 stoppage wins.
"I’ve been world rated for a wee while now so it’s a bit frustrating but you just have to keep focussing, set small short-term goals and then tick them off.
"But to remain relevant, to keep in the thoughts and words of the fans and media, I have to shine. There’s a very strong undercard but mine should still be the fight to stand out. Expect controlled fireworks!"
Globally, the 8st 3lb division is awash with elite champions, with P4P contenders Roman Gonzalez and Naoya Inoue nestled on the WBC and WBO thrones, 21-0 Birmingham banger Kal Yafai in possession of the WBA strap and formidable Filipino Jerwin Ancajas wearing the IBF belt.
Conlan is desperate for an opportunity to get among them.
"I’ve not seen anything of Ancajas but he’s got a very impressive record (one loss in 28) and he beat a good champion (Puerto Rico’s previously undefeated McJoe Arroyo) to win the title," said Conlan.
"There’s noise that Naoya Inoue will be moving up to challenge Japan's WBC bantamweight champion (Shinsuke Yamanaka) which could leave an opening for the vacant WBO title.
"But I leave it all to my team. They’re biding their time but I’ve every confidence they’ll deliver. I’m a strong believer in letting the fighter fight, the trainer train, the manager manage and the promoter promote. We all have our job to do."
After 28 months on the road, Conlan returned to his native city last November with a routine eight-round shutout win over Hungarian David Koos.
However, Friday’s assignment promises to be altogether more taxing, live on BoxNation.
"Last time, it was nice to keep busy but the camp was more beneficial than the fight. I’ve not even watched the tape back," he said.
"I just kept on the jab and listened to the corner, ticked the boxes trainer Danny (Vaughan) wanted me to tick. Now I’ve got a proper fight and I have to show improvement.
"I boxed at The Waterfront previously on a (Carl) Frampton undercard and it’s a brilliant atmosphere. The crowd’s roar echoes back to you, like an opera or an orchestra."
Opponent Cardoza, a 28-year-old from a renowned fighting nation that has given us the likes of Alexis Arguello, Ricardo Mayorga and Roman Gonzalez, is a veteran of 33 starts across an eight year career that peaked with a May 2013 challenge for the WBC light-flyweight title.
"I’ve watched him on tape and he’s relentless - far more Ricardo Mayorga than Arguello or ‘Chocolalito," added Conlan.
"His record suggests he’s not the biggest puncher but he throws some wicked shots. He’s very tough and quite unpredictable - dirty with his head and elbows.
"I’m expecting an exciting fight but I’ve got to stick to my gameplan."