A new opponent for Michael Conlan's big Féile an Phobail show has been announced.
Conlan will take on WBC Latino featherweight champion Diego Alberto Ruiz in the cauldron of Falls Park on August 3.
The West Belfast featherweight (11-0, 6 KOs) will defend his own WBO Inter-Continental strap against dangerous Argentinian Ruiz (21-2, 10 KOs).
The bout will be shown live on BT Sport in association with Queensberry Promotions and on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank.
Conlan was originally due face former Olympic nemesis Vladimir Nikitin but the Russian withdrew last week citing a bicep injury .
Despite that initial disappointment, Conlan is is delighted at the news of a step up in level for his third 10-round bout.
“The show goes on," he said.
"A bigger fight is happening. A harder fight is happening. A better performance will happen. My motivation and mindset haven’t changed.
“I’ve got a high-class fighter in front of me in Ruiz and I’m expecting him to cause me more problems than what Nikitin could have caused me.
“Maybe, once I’m 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.
“Facing a higher level of opponent is better for me. I want to push on towards world titles and big, big fights and I have to start going through the gears now.”
Ruiz has labelled the fight the biggest of his career and insists he will be ready for battle on August 3.
“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," Ruiz said.
“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.”
Several local boxing heroes have already been confirmed on the card with Paddy Barnes, Sean McComb, Alfredo Meli vs. Araik Marutjan, Padraig McCrory, Callum Bradley, Seanie Duffy and Dee Sullivan all earning slots.
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