Bantamweight prospect Michael Ruiz Jr. is a fighter. Ruiz was called on a Tuesday, weighed-in on a Wednesday and ready to fight tonight, on a Thursday. The who, what, where and when did not matter, Ruiz is ready to kick off his 2011 and keep his unbeaten run going against Rigoberto Casillas in a four-rounder at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in Highland, California.
Ruiz (6-0-1, 3 KOs) of Fresno, California turned pro just last April after a stellar amateur career and quickly racked up his first six wins, four of which came by knockout. In his last outing, Ruiz was held to a draw by Jonathan Alcantara on the Andre Ward-Sakio Bika undercard in Oakland, California.
Ruiz, who is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and managed by Repo Ric, claimed silver at both the 2008 National PAL Championships and 2009 National Golden Gloves during his accomplished amateur campaign.
Casillas (2-4-1, 1 KO) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico is likely more experienced than his reported record indicates. Casillas reportedly turned pro in November of 2005, and then fought forty-fight veteran Alejandro Moreno in his second bout. More than likely some interim bouts went unreported out of Mexico. In his last bout, Casillas fought a full twelve-rounder in a majority decision defeat to Felipe Salguero in a failed attempt at the lightly-regarded World Boxing Federation Light Flyweight title.
Headlining the action tonight is multiple-division champion and future Hall of Famer James “Lights Out” Toney as he defends his IBA Heavyweight title against notorious tough guy Damon Reed in the “Fight Night in America” televised feature attraction. Additional bouts will air as time allows.
“Fight Night in America” is presented by Empire Sports and Entertainment and televised nationally on Fox Sports Net affiliates. Check your local listings.
Tickets for the event, priced at $40 and $70, are available online at Ticketmaster.com.
