South Philadelphia native Christian Carto will continue his climb up the bantamweight ranks when he faces Victor Ruiz in the February 8 “Philly Special” main event at 2300 Arena.
The 22-year old Carto is undefeated in 17 pro bouts, winning 11 inside the distance. In his last appearance on November 9, he won a six-round unanimous decision over Antonio Rodriguez.
Against Ruiz, Carto is facing the toughest challenge to date. Ruiz has a pronounced experience edge having competed against former IBF world super flyweight champion Daiki Kameda (W, SD8) and former WBC world-title challenger Oscar Negrete (L, UD8).
“I’m eager to test my skills against (Victor) Ruiz,” said Carto. “We’ve watched tape and he’s got plenty of experience. Ruiz has fought some great fighters: McWilliams Arroyo, Oscar Negrete and current WBO Bantamweight Champion Zolani Tete. As for 2019, I’m ready to start the year strong and I’m happy to be back in South Philly at the 2300 Arena. Training camp is going great. Billy (trainer Briscoe) and I will leave no stone unturned and we’ll be ready for Ruiz.”
The card is a homecoming for promoter Michelle “Raging Babe” Rosado. A Philly native, Rosado has in recent years promoted successful cards in Arizona in addition to helming the popular Morning Punch-In Show podcast. She views the main event as one with high upside for Carto, but also dangerous.
“This is no walk-in-the-park fight for Christian,” Rosado explained. “If he wants to crack the world ratings, this is the kind of guy he needs to fight and this is the kind of guy he needs to beat. Ruiz has been in with some of the best at flyweight, super fly and bantamweight.”
Heavyweight Darmani Rock (13-0) will compete in the co-main event. The eight-bout card will also feature the debuts of two Top Rank signings: Puerto Rico-born super bantamweight Jeremy “Magic Hands” Adorno and South Philly heavyweight Sonny Conto.
Tickets are priced $50-125. They are available at www.2300arena.com or by calling 215-765-0922
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 