Shabaz Masoud picked up the biggest win of his career so far as he secured a dominant points victory over Diego Alberto Ruiz on Saturday.

The card at the Rainton Arena in the North East was a co-promotion between Phil Jeffries and MTK Global, and was broadcast live on IFL TV.

Unbeaten Masoud (9-0, 2 KOs) dominated throughout the fight against Ruiz (23-4, 12 KOs), with the referee scoring it 99-91 to prove yet again why ‘The Maverick’ is one of the best prospects in boxing.

Masoud said: “I’ve been saying for a while I know I’m ready for a title. The only man I saw Ruiz lose to was Michael Conlan, and he’s fighting for a world title next. This is my 9th fight now. Imagine where I’ll be when I get to 12, 13 fights.

“Who wants the smoke, come get some. I want titles. If I boxed a bit more I could have gone him out of there, I live four hours away and I still managed to bring 150 people here.

“We need a show in Stoke and I’d pack the place out. Thanks to everyone for support me, and watch this space to see what is next.”

Trainer Ben Davison added: “That was Shabaz’s 9th fight and was a risk, so he had to be disciplined with that performance and he was able to show what we’ll be working on.

“He got it right tonight and got the job done so I’m delighted, especially as I flew back from America for it! We’ll speak to MTK Global now and see what they have in store next. There are some big plans for him.”

Elsewhere on the bill, there were wins for Joe Laws and Joe Maphosa, while some of the best local prospects also put in good performances.