Sadam Ali Return Likely For Vargas-Salido Bill

By Ryan Burton

Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker Robert Diaz has advised BoxingScene.com that welterweight contender Sadam Ali (22-1) will likely return to the ring on June 4th in Carson, Calif. against an opponent to be determined. The bout will be on the Francisco Vargas-Orlando Salido undercard.

Ali, a 2008 Olympian, last fought in March when he was stopped by Jessie Vargas in 9 rounds in their fight for the vacant WBO welterweight title.

IN OTHER NEWS

Today, Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) announced that he and the California Legislative Latino Caucus awarded professional boxer and Avenal native, Jose Ramirez with the 2016 Latino Spirit Award for Achievement in Athletics. Since 2002 the Latino Caucus has held the special celebration to honor Latino men and women who are pioneers in their respective fields having overcome tremendous obstacles and rising to become role models and community leaders.

"I am proud to have nominated Jose Ramirez for this award and to recognize his tireless efforts in and out of the ring," said Assemblymember Rudy Salas. "In addition to being a world champion boxer, Jose has been a strong advocate for our community by fighting for water and giving back at our local community events and food banks."

The Latino Spirit Awards were established to coincide with the state's acknowledgement of Cinco de Mayo and to highlight positive role models in the Latino community.

Originally from Avenal, California Jose Ramirez learned to box at the age of 8. As an amateur, Ramirez amassed an impressive record of 145 victories and was the number one rated amateur Lightweight boxer in the U.S. and a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympics team. Ramirez has won 11 national boxing championships, including the 2010 U.S. National Champion at Lightweight, Jr. Golden Gloves National Champion, two-time Jr. Olympic National Champion, and a two-time Ringside World Champion. He also won six consecutive U.S. National titles and gold medals.

Outside of the ring, Ramirez has been an advocate for water in the San Joaquin Valley. As a son of an immigrant farmer, he understands the desperate situation the area faces. In 2014, he headlined a benefit fight card called "The Fight for Water" in Lemoore in a bid to help raise awareness for the need for water. He has since been involved in four additional fight cards named ''The Fight for Water,'' the last one of which drew 13,000 fans.

The 15th Annual Latino Spirit Award ceremony took place today at the California State Capitol during Assembly Floor Session where Latino men and women from a variety of categories ranging from athletics, to public service, and human rights were recognized for their leadership.

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