Upset In Atlanta: Ruiz Shocks Local Favorite Delgado

Mike “El Cangri” Ruiz is the new World Boxing Federation Intercontinental Super Welterweight Champion after scoring an impressive ninth round stoppage over local favorite, and WBF North American titlist, Paul “The Truth” Delgado on Saturday night (July 21) at the beautiful Buckhead Theater in Atlanta, GA to pick up the vacant title.

Ruiz, considered the underdog going into this fight, looked determined to give himself an early present the day before his 27th birthday, and traded punches with Delgado on even terms in what was an entertaining back-and-forth shootout in the first half of the contest.

Nine years younger than Delgado, Ruiz proved to be faster than his more experienced opponent, and looked like the stronger of the two as the rounds wore on. Delgado had his moments, but Ruiz refused to be denied as he continuously beat his adversary to the punch and always landed the harder, more punishing shots.

In round eight Ruiz connected with a hard right hand that stunned Delgado and dropped him. While he beat the count of referee Jim Korb, it was the beginning of the end for Delgado who looked spend from that point on and was floored twice more before Korb finally stopped it in round nine.

It was a great performance by Mike Ruiz who registered his careers by far biggest victory and collected his first professional title while improving his record to 17-7 (9). Former world title-challenger Delgado fell to 26-12-1 (4), and has a long road back if he decides to continue towards his goal of another world championship fight.

The show, billed as ATL Boxing, was promoted by Delgado Boxing Promotions headed by Paul Delgado, in cooperation with Mezereon Management.