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Former amateur standout Michael Ruiz Jr. aims to take care of some unfinished business tomorrow night at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada, as he takes on Jonathan Alcantara in a six-round super bantamweight rematch on the undercard of the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights-televised Chris Arreola-Kendrick Releford heavyweight showdown.

In their first meeting, which took place last November on the undercard of Andre Ward’s victory over Sakio Bika in Oakland, California, was a fiercely-contested six-round split decision draw. Alcantara (4-4-2) of Novato, California played the role of boxer-mover for much of the bout. Ruiz (7-0-1, 3 KOs) of Fresno, California pressed the action for the most part, but was never quite able to pin Alcantara down and punish him has he had done his previous six professional opponents.

The November bout was not a hallmark Michael Ruiz Jr. performance, but the Fresno-based prospect feels it was more of an aberration than an indication. “Nothing about him really surprised me,” says Ruiz, who is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions. “The only thing that surprised me was myself. The first time we fought, I couldn’t really get a hold of myself. My rhythm was off. I just have to go out there and do what I do.”

Ruiz’ manager Repo Ric, who had taunted and jawed at Alcantara and his team during the weigh-in, gained respect for the Novato resident’s skills and determination by the end of the fight in November. “They had a close fight the first time,” admits Repo. “It really could have gone either way. [Alcantara] is very powerful and very durable. He could go the distance with just about anybody out there. He is a little heavier than Mike, but we are not going to use that as an excuse.”

The fight was matched by noted matchmakers Andy Nance and Tom Brown. Though he did not match the bout, it was one Repo wanted all along. “We want to show the fans and the world that we are coming back for this guy,” says Repo. “Now we know about this kid. We didn’t know he was heavier or durable like he is and could go the rounds. We need to show who Mike Ruiz really is. He has a lot to prove in this fight. Hopefully we get to show it on national TV, on ESPN2.”

The first Ruiz-Alcantara encounter was more of a technical boxing match than the all-out action fight many had expected when it was signed. Both men started out cautious as they moved through the feeling out process. Now that they know what to expect, fight fans in Reno should get to their seats early as the rematch could be a corker from the opening bell this time around. “I am better prepared,” admits Ruiz, who agrees that the action will likely get heated much earlier. “In the first fight we didn’t trade much really. But this time I know what he brings, so I am going to look for that. I’m ready to go.”

Tickets for the event, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and at the Reno Events Center, Eldorado and Silver Legacy’s ticket offices.

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