John "Scrappy" Ramirez eyes WBA super flyweight title shot

Scrapping is his business and business has been good.            

Undefeated, super flyweight contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez (10-0, 8 KO’s), has worked his way to a No. 2 world ranking in the World Boxing Association (WBA) and is a fighter to keep an eye on. The Los Angeles-born NABF super flyweight champion has accepted an offer from the WBA to take on No. 3 ranked veteran Thai boxer Sirichai Thaiyen (64-4, 42 KO’s) in a 2023 WBA title eliminator. The winner will be the mandatory challenger for WBA Super Flyweight World Champion Joshua “El Profesor” Franco (18-1-1, 8 KOs).

In short, “scrappy” is one win away from a world title shot.

Ramirez turned pro during the Covid pandemic but still managed to step into the ring 7 times in 2021, after making his debut at the end of 2020. With 2 wins last year, Ramirez is looking to make 2023 his world title year if he is successful in his eliminator. And, if you listen to the well-spoken, engaging 115-pounder, you know he intends to make that dream come true.

Trained by Julian Chua, out of the Brickhouse Boxing Club in Los Angeles, Ramirez caught up with MaxBoxing for a chat about the biggest fight of his career that can put him in line for a world title shot.

Bill Tibbs: Hi John, how are you?

John Ramirez: Oh hey Bill, good thanks.

BT: You turned pro during the pandemic, at the end of 2020, got in 7 bouts in 2021, 2 last year, and have in a short period got yourself world-ranked. This is impressive.

JR: I always believed in myself and always envisioned things happening for me. It doesn’t just happen. I am putting in the work, but I envisioned all of this even before I started boxing. I always envisioned this, getting ranked, fighting for a world title one day. Lots of people think this but it is another thing to do it and make it happen. It is a great feeling when you are working hard and seeing all the things that you envisioned happening.

BT: How many amateur fights did you have and when did you start boxing?

JR: I had 25 amateur fights and didn’t start until I was 20.

BT: That isn’t a lot of fights as a foundation to turn pro and get yourself to this point. Did you ever imagine being in this spot 10 fights into your career?

JR: It was never about ‘by 10 fights’ or any specific timeline. I always knew I wanted to get world ranked, I knew I wanted to stay busy, keep learning, keep working towards my goals. Some people think I talk a lot, and I guess I do, (laughs), but I talk the talk, and I walk the walk. I believe in myself. Everyone said, ‘you are starting too late’, ‘you’re starting from scratch’, ‘you are too old’. But I knew what my vision was, I was confident, and I knew I could get there.

BT: How tall are you?

JR: On a good day, I’m about 6’9”, (laughs) otherwise I’m 5’4”.

BT: (Laughs). And, you are at 115?

JR: Yes, that is my weight.

BT: What do you walk around at, and do you have any trouble making weight?

JR: I walk around at 130. No, never a problem making weight. I have a great nutritionist, Sayuri Yoshimura. On a great program so I make weight no problem.

BT: What would you rate your greatest strength as a fighter?

JR: You know, I would have to say my mental strength and approach. There are so many things we can’t control in life but the one thing we can is what is in our heads. What we can control is how we think, staying mentally strong and positive. Nothing really phases me. I stay very mentally strong, stay positive and believe in myself.

BT: How did you get the nickname “Scrappy”?

JR: I got that from my old football coach. I was the small guy on the team so I was always having to prove myself, scrapping with my teammates to earn their respect.

BT: You are ranked #2 by the WBA, you are scheduled to take on #3 ranked, Sirichai Thaiyen (64-4, 42 KO’s) with the winner looking to take on the WBA world super flyweight champion Joshua Franco (18-1-1, 8 KO’s). That’s a tough task. Very experienced guy, 64 wins, 42 KO’s.

JR: Yes, it is, but this is all what I envisioned, right from when I first started boxing. And I am working hard every day to make it come true. I envisioned getting world ranked and fighting for a world title. This is the next step.

BT: Waiting on a fight date?

Jr: Yes, waiting on a date and location. I have worked so hard to get here. This boxing isn’t for everyone, people have no idea of the sacrifices you make. I’m young, I want to be busy, no time to waste. I’m excited to get back in the ring. It’s been 8 months, I am ready. I’m in the gym every day, staying focused and ready.

BT: John, great chatting with you, and best of luck in your title eliminator. Look forward to talking after.

JR: Bill, thank you. Appreciate it.