By Luis Sandoval
Top Rank officially announced the signing of 2012 US Olympian Jose Ramirez as he embarks on his professional career after being one of the most decorated amateurs in recent memory. Hailing from the small farming community of Avenal, CA, Ramirez made a name for himself by having an impressive amateur record with over 140 wins, 11 National Championships and 5 Consecutive USA National Titles.
There was a lot on interest in signing a fighter like Ramirez and even though it was a tough decision, Ramirez felt Top Rank was the perfect fit for him.
“I felt like I made the right move. I feel like God has really blessed me and I’m very fortunate to be in the position that I’m in. Yes, it was very tough [decision to make]. Boxing is a business so at the end it was what was in my best interest. It was tough to make but at the end there was no doubt Top Rank was the right company for me” said Ramirez.
Top Rank founder and CEO Bob Arum is extremely excited about Ramirez and has scheduled for his professional debut to be on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez IV on December 8th. Making his debut on such a big stage is something Ramirez is both excited and a little bit nervous about.
“It’s a great blessing, very excited and a little bit nervous and once again, this is exactly why I felt Top Rank was the right company for me. They treat the fighters right and they build all the best fighters and I feel it’s my turn now and I feel I made the best decision by getting started and singing with them. That’s the first step, now it’s done and now it’s getting ready for December 8th and go from there” Ramirez would tell BoxingScene.
Aside from being a standout amateur, Ramirez also separates himself from other amateurs as he already has sponsorships he’s attained with the help of his co-manager/deal agent Rick Mirigian.
Wonderful Pistachios has added Jose to the list of other athletes they are currently working with and has been a successful pairing so far. Jose will also have his own Discover Pre-paid credit card that will help those people who cannot get a credit card be able to get something similar.
Ramirez will campaign at Lightweight and expects to move up later on as his career develops. His professional debut will be a four round bout and Ramirez is extremely excited to remove the head gear.
“[It’s] a different game, no head gear, smaller gloves; it excites me a lot. I can’t wait. I’m looking forward to it and I’m going to train hard and prepare myself both mentally and physically as much as I can to go in there 100%”.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @Truewest007. You can also tune in to The Boxing Lab, Boxingscene’s official audio show every Tuesday from 6-8PM PST with hosts Ernest Gabion, Luis Sandoval, and Ryan Burton.
