Michael Conlan is one of the most popular and successful amateur boxers in the history of Ireland and was set to face Russian rival Vladimir Nikitin in Conlan’s hometown of Belfast. But Nikitin had to pull out due to a torn bicep so a fill-in was needed. Normally in such situations a tomato can is called up as the human punching bag substitute but that is not the case this time. As a matter of fact, the man stepping into the ring in place of Nikitin could prove to be a more dangerous and capable opponent. Diego Alberto “El Profeta” Ruiz will face Conlan instead. Ruiz, by all accounts, is a dangerous and bona fide contender that will enhance the entertainment value for boxing fans but perhaps cause more tension for Conlan’s homeland backers in Ireland.
Boxing Odds at BookMaker.eu
Michael Conlan -2375
Diego Alberto Ruiz +1250
Over/under rounds - Check Back Later
The World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organization Intercontinental Featherweight titles will be on the line on August 3, 2019 when Michael Conlan (11-0, 6 knockouts) faces Diego Alberto Ruiz (21-2, 10 knockouts). This fight will be held at the Marquee Falls Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland and is scheduled for 10 rounds with coverage on ESPN+.
Fight Preview
When it was discovered that Nikitin couldn’t answer the bell, Conlan insisted that a fighter just as good for better be found as the replacement. And in the person of Ruiz it is believed that his demands were met.
"The show goes on. A bigger fight is happening. A harder fight is happening. A better performance will happen," Conlan said. "My motivation and mindset haven't changed. I'm expecting him to cause me more problems than what Nikitin could have caused me.
"When Vladimir Nikitin dropped out due to injury, I told Top Rank and MTK Global to get me the toughest possible opponent. 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."
Ruiz has not lost a fight since a six-round decision in 2016, although he has faced low-level opposition.
"This is the biggest fight of my career," Ruiz said. "This is 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."
There was some disappointment that Conlan and Nikitin will not meet as it would have been a rematch of their controversial fight at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Nikitin was given a highly disputed decision win that set off Conlan, his fans, and many otherwise neutral observers. Conlan appeared to easily defeat Nikitin, but the judges gave Nikitin the shocking victory. Making matters worse was that Nikitin was so badly beaten by Conlan that he withdrew from the tournament and was unable to fight in the semifinals.
After the bout Conlan famously saluted the judges with both middle fingers in the ring. He tore into the International Boxing Association and said that Russian president Vladimir Putin had paid off the judges to give the decision to Nikitin.
"Maybe once I'm a world champion, I might give Nikitin a shot, but for now, I'm moving on because it was more stalling my career than advancing it in terms of the level I'm at," Conlan said.
Boxing Betting Tips
While Ruiz is a quality replacement the highly motivated Conlan will be determined to show well at home and for a world championship shot down the line.
Boxing Odds Pick: Michael Conlan
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With the boxing odds at BookMaker Sportsbook, you can bet on boxing all year, from smaller cards to pay-per-view events. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook. Michael Conlan vs. Diego Alberto Ruiz takes place on August 3, 2019, at Belfast. The fight can be seen on ESPN+.
