Michael Conlan vs Diego Alberto Ruiz Preview

Michael Conlan vs Diego Alberto Ruiz Preview

By Will Lott

This Saturday sees Michael Conlan continue his rise up the pro rankings when he faces off against relatively unknown Argentinian Diego Alberto Ruiz in Belfast. The bout will see Conlan looking to pursue a faster route to a title fight when he challenges for the vacant WBA Inter – Continental featherweight title as well as defend his own WBO Inter – Continental title.

This will be Conlan’s twelfth exploit in the professional rankings as he continues to call for tougher fights. Conlan has not been troubled to date since turning pro after the 2016 Olympic Games. Having comfortably defeated Ruben Garcia Hernandez earlier in the year, he will enter the ring with confidence as he attempts to move to a 12-0 record.

Conlan has recently stated he wants to become a world champion within the next 12 months and Ruiz will be another rung on his ladder to the top of the tree.

As for Diego Alberto Ruiz, he enters the ring with a 21-2 record and a current win streak of 10 fights including five by knockout. Having mainly fought in Argentina against a number of fellow compatriots, Ruiz is a name relatively unheard of outside of South America. However, he was chosen as according to Conlan he represents the hardest fight after original opponent Vladimir Nikitin pulled out. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Conlan said:

“Ruiz is on a 10-fight winning streak, and I know he’s coming all the way from Argentina to continue his victorious ways. This is my toughest test as a professional, but if I’m going to become a world champion, I must beat Ruiz.”

Regarding the fight, the Belfast Telegraph has also quoted Ruiz as saying “this is the biggest fight of my career and a great opportunity to prove myself as a fighter. I fought June 1, and I am going to be ready for whatever Michael brings. It won’t be an easy fight, but it is not an impossible task. I am not scared to fight on the road. That is my motivation because the pressure will be on him.”

Elsewhere on the bill, Irish middleweight Luke Keeler will challenge former Daniel Jacobs foe, Luis Arias. Arias is currently looking to rebuild after his wide points defeat to two – time champion Jacobs in November 2017. However, this will only be his second fight in two years after a split decision draw with gatekeeper Gabriel Rosado last year.

Keeler meanwhile, will be looking to build on the momentum from his point decision victory over Northern Ireland favourite Conrad Cummings in March of this year.

Chris Jenkins will also defend his British welterweight title for the first time as well as challenge for the Commonwealth title against Paddy Gallagher. Jenkins is coming to fight off the back of a unanimous decision win over Johnny Garton whilst Gallagher won his last fight via knockout against the previously undefeated Liam Wells in June.