Jose Ramirez - believing and achieving

When I first saw Jose Ramirez (27-0, 17 KO’s) fight a few years back I was intrigued by his story - fighting for water rights for local agricultural workers in California’s Central Valley, a work ethic that was second to none and a local promoter/manager that saw great things in the likeable young man as a person and a fighter, championing his cause going back to his amateur days, long before he turned pro.

But, while he was undefeated and exciting, one had to wonder if there was as much sizzle as steak to his story that trumpeted his philanthropic efforts as much as his in-ring success. He was winning, with his humility, effort and attitude all an important part of the so far impressive run.

And while he had yet to lose, it seemed that a skilled slick-ster would surely be able to get the best of the rugged brawler.

But, he kept winning and impressing and was certainly pleasing the brass at Top Rank Boxing who were promoting him. His promotional team was loving the packed houses that were happening every time he fought in the Fresno area- a result of manager Rick Mirigian’s non-stop sales pitch coupled with Ramirez’s winning ways.

But at some point if you want to answer the critics, or fans, you have to step away from the story, no matter good it is, and deliver - and Jose Ramirez has done that and then some. His hard work and relentless work ethic culminated in a world title in New York City in March of last year confirming every prediction that Mirigian had made about his charge.

I had referred to Ramirez as an ‘over-achiever’ in a couple of different stories I had done over the last couple of years - be clear, I used that descriptor as the ultimate compliment. This fighter is as fan-friendly as it gets. He makes the absolute most out of the talent he has through dedication, hard work and an iron will to win. And, after his impressive, unification, road win over Texas-based Maurice Hooker (26-1-3, 17 KO’s) on Saturday, July 27, in Arlington, Texas, showing a varied game of both boxing and banging, it is clear that there is more than just grit and guts to his game. This is a talented student who knows how to execute a game plan.

Former WBO champ Hooker, a long, lanky and undefeated boxer-puncher was perhaps going to be the guy who hung a loss on Ramirez and expose him as a gutsy but limited brawler while taking away his WBC title in the process. But, in an impressive display of (his usual) pressure, boxing and brawling, Ramirez scored a 6th round stoppage pleasing a revved up crowd who now saw an outstanding win by one of boxing’s most exciting fighters.

Ramirez worked off a strong (under-rated) jab, while mixing in great body work early and often, to limit the movement of Hooker. But make no mistake, Hooker fought a great fight waging war in a fabulous back and forth bout. However, It was clear that Ramirez had a very strong game plan, mapped out by outstanding trainer Robert Garcia, and Ramirez followed it perfectly, breaking down Hooker before stopping him half-way through the bout. This was impressive stuff!

For Avenal, California’s favourite son, who now holds both the WBC and WBO titles, who and what is next is the question. There are certainly no shortage of opponents in the exciting, 140-pound class like undefeated champions Regis Progais (WBA) or Josh Taylor ( IBF), both fighters that Ramirez would love to face.

Ramirez, who put a serious shine on his star status with the Hooker win, made it clear in post-fight interviews that he wants the biggest fights, and all the trinkets, at 140 - and that’s good news for fight fans.

“I feel very confident in my skills just like any fighter”, said Ramirez. “Real champion believes in themselves. I believe in my team. I believe in myself. I came here with one mission, to become the unified champion and I did it. I am the very best guy”.

No argument here Jose.