José Ramírez (boxer)

José Carlos Ramírez (born August 12, 1992) is an American professional boxer. He is a former unified champion at light welterweight, having held the World Boxing Council (WBC) title from 2018 to 2021 and the World Boxing Organization (WBO) title from 2019 to 2021. As an amateur he represented the United States at the 2012 Olympics.[1]

José Ramírez
Born (1992-08-12) August 12, 1992 (age 32)
Other namesJaguar
Statistics
Weight(s)Light welterweight
Height5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Reach72+12 in (184 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights31
Wins29
Wins by KO18
Losses2

Amateur career

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Ramírez won the United States national amateur boxing championships Lightweight tournament at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He's also a Jr. Golden Gloves National Champion, two-time Jr. Olympic National Champion, and a two-time Ringside World Champion. His family currently lives in Avenal, California where he's lived all his life. Jose qualified to represent the United States at the 2012 Olympics by defeating 2008 Olympian Raynell Williams 21-16 in the finals of the 2012 United States Olympic Boxing Trials.[2] Ramírez beat Rachid Azzedine and then lost to Fazliddin Gaibnazarov at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.[3]

Professional career

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Early career

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Ramírez turned professional in 2012 and has been promoted by Bob Arum as a Top Rank fighter since the same year.[4][5]

After compiling a perfect 15-0 record, Ramírez beat Johnny Garcia by unanimous decision on December 5, 2015 to win the vacant WBC Continental Americas light welterweight title.[6] He would go on to defend the title a total of four times.[7]

WBC light welterweight champion

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Ramírez vs. Imam

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On March 17, 2018, Ramírez defeated Amir Imam by unanimous decision with scores of 120-108, 117-111 and 115-113 to win the vacant WBC super lightweight title. Ramírez had badly swelled Imam's right eye and landed all kinds of hard punches throughout the fight.[8]

Ramírez vs. Orozco

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In his next fight, Ramírez faced Antonio Orozco, then #3 by the WBC at light welterweight, at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.[9] In an action-packed fight, the defending champion managed to drop his opponent twice, once in the fourth, and once in the eighth round. Despite the two knockdowns, Orozco gave his all and even was the aggressor at times. In the end, it was a clear win for Ramírez, all three judges scoring the fight 119-107 in favor of the champion.[10]

Ramírez vs. Zepeda

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In his next title defense, Ramírez faced Jose Zepeda, ranked #14 by the WBC at light welterweight.[11] Zepeda was winning the early rounds of the fight. Ramírez started to gain control of the fight in the fourth round. Ramírez finished the fight strong, especially in the last 20 seconds, unleashing power shots on Zepeda. Ramírez won the fight via majority decision in a very competitive fight.[12]

Unified light welterweight champion

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Ramírez vs. Hooker

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On July 27, 2019, Ramírez fought undefeated WBO light welterweight champion Maurice Hooker in a unification fight. In an action-packed fight, Ramírez first managed to drop Hooker in the opening round, and despite replays showing that Ramírez had stepped on Hooker's foot, it was ruled an official knockdown. As the rounds went on, the fight slowed down, which seemed to favor Hooker. However, in the sixth round, Ramírez connected on a left hand to the chin, followed by another big left to the head, which sent Hooker reeling against the ropes. As Hooker was helpless, the referee stopped the fight with 1:48 to go in the round, awarding Ramírez the technical knockout victory.[13]

Ramírez vs. Postol

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On August 29, 2020, Ramírez defended his WBC and WBO titles against former WBC champion Viktor Postol, winning a majority decision with scores of 116-112, 115-113, 114-114.[14]

Ramírez vs. Taylor

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On May 22, 2021, Ramírez attempted to become the first undisputed champion of Mexican descent when he faced undefeated unified champion Josh Taylor in Paradise, Nevada in a showdown for the undisputed light welterweight championship. Ramírez was knocked down twice in the sixth and seventh rounds, both times by Taylor's left hand, and ultimately lost by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 114-112 in favor of Taylor.[15]

Continued light welterweight career

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Ramírez vs. Pedraza

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On October 30, 2021, it was revealed that Ramírez would face the former two-weight world champion José Pedraza on February 5, 2022, in the main event of an ESPN broadcast Top Rank card.[16] The bout was later postponed for March 4, as Pedraza fell ill with flu-like symptoms. Ramirez won the bout by unanimous decision in a competitive fight, By all judges scoring it 116-112.[17]

Ramírez vs. Barthelemy

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Ramírez was scheduled to face Rances Barthelemy on April 27, 2024 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, CA.[18] The outing was his first fight promoted by Golden Boy.[19] Ramírez won the fight by unanimous decision.[20]

Professional boxing record

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31 fights 29 wins 2 losses
By knockout 18 0
By decision 11 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
31 Loss 29–2 Arnold Barboza Jr. UD 10 Nov 16, 2024 The Venue Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
30 Win 29–1 Rances Barthelemy UD 12 Apr 27, 2024 Save Mart Center, Fresno, California, U.S.
29 Win 28–1 Richard Commey KO 11 (12), 2:44 Mar 26, 2023 Save Mart Center, Fresno, California, U.S.
28 Win 27–1 José Pedraza UD 12 Mar 4, 2022 Save Mart Center, Fresno, California, U.S.
27 Loss 26–1 Josh Taylor UD 12 May 22, 2021 Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Lost WBC and WBO light welterweight titles;
For WBA (Super), IBF, and The Ring light welterweight titles
26 Win 26–0 Viktor Postol MD 12 Aug 29, 2020 MGM Grand Conference Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBC and WBO light welterweight titles
25 Win 25–0 Maurice Hooker TKO 6 (12), 1:48 Jul 27, 2019 College Park Center, Arlington, Texas, U.S. Retained WBC light welterweight title;
Won WBO light welterweight title
24 Win 24–0 Jose Zepeda MD 12 Feb 10, 2019 Save Mart Center, Fresno, California, U.S. Retained WBC light welterweight title
23 Win 23–0 Antonio Orozco UD 12 Sep 14, 2018 Save Mart Center, Fresno, California, U.S. Retained WBC light welterweight title
22 Win 22–0 Amir Imam UD 12 Mar 17, 2018 The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant WBC light welterweight title
21 Win 21–0 Mike Reed KO 2 (10), 1:43 Nov 11, 2017 Save Mart Center, Fresno, California, U.S. Retained WBC Continental Americas light welterweight title
20 Win 20–0 Jake Giuriceo TKO 2 (10), 2:10 May 5, 2017 Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
19 Win 19–0 Issouf Kinda KO 6 (10), 0:58 Dec 2, 2016 Save Mart Arena, Fresno, California, U.S. Retained WBC Continental Americas light welterweight title
18 Win 18–0 Tomas Mendez KO 4 (10), 0:53 Jul 9, 2016 Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, Lemoore, California, U.S. Retained WBC Continental Americas light welterweight title
17 Win 17–0 Manuel Pérez UD 10 Apr 9, 2016 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBC Continental Americas light welterweight title
16 Win 16–0 Johnny Garcia UD 8 Dec 5, 2015 Save Mart Arena, Fresno, California, U.S. Won vacant WBC Continental Americas light welterweight title
15 Win 15–0 Ryusei Yoshida RTD 3 (8), 3:00 Jul 18, 2015 Cotai Arena, Macau, China
14 Win 14–0 Robert Frankel KO 5 (8), 2:18 May 9, 2015 Selland Arena, Fresno, California, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Antonio Arellano TKO 6 (6), 2:50 Dec 13, 2014 Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 David Rodela KO 1 (8), 0:50 Oct 25, 2014 Selland Arena, Fresno, California, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Alfred Romero UD 8 Aug 2, 2014 Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Jesus Selig KO 2 (6), 0:44 May 17, 2014 Selland Arena, Fresno, California, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Boyd Henley TKO 2 (6), 2:32 Mar 29, 2014 Texas Station Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Javier Perez TKO 1 (6), 2:32 Feb 1, 2014 Laredo Energy Arena, Laredo, Texas, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Erick Hernandez Perez KO 1 (6), 0:47 Nov 9, 2013 West Hills College, Lemoore, California, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Daniel Calzada UD 4 Sep 28, 2013 StubHub Center, Carson, California, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Mike Maldonado TKO 1 (6), 1:06 Aug 17, 2013 Laredo Energy Arena, Laredo, Texas, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Christopher Williams TKO 1 (4), 1:30 Jun 29, 2013 WinStar Casino, Thackerville, Oklahoma, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Antonio Martinez UD 4 Apr 27, 2013 Frank Erwin Center, Austin, Texas, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Charlie Dubray TKO 1 (4), 1:06 Mar 30, 2013 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Corey Seigwarth TKO 1 (4), 2:05 Dec 8, 2012 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.

Personal life

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Ramírez is of Mexican descent, his parents are from the state of Michoacán.[21]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Olympics: Breazale, Hunter qualify for U.S. | RingTV". Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved August 2, 2013.
  2. ^ "Boxer Warren makes third Olympic boxing team". August 6, 2011.
  3. ^ "USA Boxing Star Jose Ramirez Wins First Fight At Olympics". Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved November 24, 2013.
  4. ^ José Ramirez el nuevo fichaje de Top Rank - Solo Boxeo, November 14, 2012
  5. ^ "Jose Ramirez creating a unique boxing identity". November 9, 2017.
  6. ^ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  7. ^ "BoxRec: Jose Carlos Ramirez". boxrec.com. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  8. ^ "Ramirez outslugs Imam to capture vacant belt". ESPN.com. March 18, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  9. ^ "Ramirez vs Orozco - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  10. ^ Christ, Scott (September 15, 2018). "Jose Ramirez retains title in action fight with Antonio Orozco". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  11. ^ "Ramirez vs Zepeda - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  12. ^ "Jose Ramirez rallies from early deficit, outpoints Jose Zepeda to retain title". The Ring. February 10, 2019. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  13. ^ "Jose Ramirez stops Maurice Hooker in six thrilling rounds, unifies 140-pound belts". The Ring. July 27, 2019. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  14. ^ "Jose Ramirez survives scare against Viktor Postol, retains titles". Boxing Junkie. August 30, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  15. ^ "Taylor defeats Ramirez to unify division". BBC Sport. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  16. ^ Coppinger, Mike (October 30, 2021). "Sources: Junior welterweights Jose Ramirez, Jose Pedraza agree to Feb. 5 fight". espn.com. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  17. ^ Coppinger, Mike (January 10, 2022). "Sources: Jose Ramirez-Jose Pedraza bout, set for Feb. 5, to be rescheduled to March 4". espn.com. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  18. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (March 26, 2024). "Jose Ramirez faces Rances Barthelemy in Fresno, CA in April". FIGHTMAG.
  19. ^ "Sources: Ramirez to face Barthelemy on April 27". ESPN.com. March 24, 2024.
  20. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (April 28, 2024). "Jose Ramirez bests Rances Barthelemy by decision". FIGHTMAG.
  21. ^ "Esperan mexicanos aprovechar la exposición que les dará Pacquiao". ESPN Deportes (in European Spanish). February 12, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
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Sporting positions
Amateur boxing titles
Previous:
Duran Caffero Jr.
U.S. lightweight champion
2010, 2011, 2012
Next:
Kenneth Sims Jr.
World boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Terence Crawford
WBC light welterweight champion
March 17, 2018 - May 22, 2021
Succeeded by
Preceded by WBO Junior welterweight champion
July 27, 2019 - May 22, 2021