Michael Conlan improved his unbeaten record to 12-0 with a ninth-round stoppage win over Diego Alberto Ruiz in Belfast last night.
The Irish featherweight was defending his WBO Inter-Continental belt and picked up the WBA equivalent with the victory.
Argentinian Ruiz was a replacement for Conlan's Rio 2016 nemesis Vladimir Nikitin, who pulled out with an injury, and proved a tricky opponent for the home town favourite in a fight that took a while to get going.
Ringside angle of the @mickconlan11 knock down and TKO 💥🥊👀#ConlanRuiz | @ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/293zLJ1lyG
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) August 4, 2019
The former amateur world champion eventually wore out his opponent in the ninth, forcing a stoppage with a combination of powerful body shots.
"Before, I was nervous," the 27-year-old told Top Rank Boxing after the fight at Féile an Phobail on the Falls Road . "I didn't know what to expect.
"When I got on to that stage, I was like, 'I'm home'.
"I'm more proud that I got the finish for [the supporters]. I can box people all day and it's boring for people.
"It is boring for people when I am using skill so much. To get the finish made the day extra special."
Probably the best atmosphere at any Féile an Phobail event ever.
— Féile an Phobail (@FeileBelfast) August 4, 2019
The Falls Park on the Falls Road last night for Irish boxing hero @mickconlan11's homecoming.
What an occasion... pic.twitter.com/F3kHM3wvAV
Meanwhile, Paddy Barnes beat Joel Sanchez 60-55.
