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Big fight on massive card – Alfredo Meli to fight World Championships medalist on Feile bill

Alfredo Meli [16(5)-0-1] has secured a big fight on a massive card.

The unassuming Belfast middleweight may have to get used to time in the spotlight, as it was today confirmed that he will trade leather on the undercard of Michael Conlan versus Vladimir Nikitin on the massive Féile an Phobail fight night. 

Furthermore the former BUI Celtic middleweight champion has been handed his biggest fight and toughest test since his draw with Conrad Cummings back in 2015.

‘Fredo’ meets fellow undefeated 160lbs fighter Araik Marutjan [8(2)-0] in the Falls Park on the outdoor card. 

It’s a match up that adds further value to a card fight fans have become increasingly excited about – and it’s a fight on an ESPN+ platform that could propel the 29-year-old full-time mechanic toward bigger bouts.

Like Melo, Marutjan is unbeaten and he comes to Belfast with a solid reputation among those in the know.

The German-Armenian is signed to massive German promoters Sauerland and has been progressed quickly since turning over in 2017.

An injury on his debut meant a slow enough start, but he fought six times in 2018 and comes into the August 3 bout on the back of a knock out win over former BeNeLux champion and various ranking title holder Islam Teffahi.

‘Rayko Loewe’s’ amateur record doesn’t make for bad reading either.

The 26 year old was a Rio Olympian and has won medals in some major amateur tournaments.

Indeed, he was world #3 at one stage having won welterweight bronze in the 2013 World Championships. He improved on the colour of that medal in the European Games in that same year, winning silver at the same weight in Minsk, only losing to now American based Russian pro prospect Alexander Besputin in the final. 

Marutjan also competed in the WSB and the APB meaning he has more than just his pro eight fights to adapt to pro styled boxing.

It’s a good addition to the Top Rank and a brilliant opportunity for Meli to kick on to the next level.

Meli is the fifth Belfast fighter to be confirmed on the card. Conlan obviously headlines, Paddy Barnes and Sean McComb also appear against yet to be confirmed opponents, while Anthony Cacace will challenge Sam Bowen for the British title.

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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