Michael Conlan halts Diego Alberto Ruiz in ninth round
Michael Conlan scored his 12th professional win as he outclassed Diego Alberto Ruiz in front of a raucous crowd at Falls Park in Belfast.
The Irishman’s dominance was rewarded in the ninth round when, after a flurry of unceasing body shots, the contest was stopped by referee Michael Alexander, taking his KO count to seven stoppages from 12 contests.
Ruiz, in his first bout outside his native Argentina, failed to challenge Conlan's superiority at any stage.
The 27-year-old added the vacant WBA Inter-Continental title to his WBO Inter-Continental strap with the victory in his home city.
Conlan, managed by Bob Arum, will now seek a step-up in terms of opposition as he works towards a world title shot.