Former WBC and WBO ultralightweight champion Jose Ramirez returned to the winning column Friday night by edging Puerto Rico’s Jose Pedraza via unanimous decision on points.
All three judges considered 29-year-old Ramirez the 116-112 winner, giving him eight rounds against four former super-lightweight and lightweight athletes. Ramirez, who lost his last match to claim the undisputed 140lbs crown to Scotland’s Josh Taylor last year, moved to 27-1 (17 KOs), while Pedraza dropped (29-4, 13 KOs).
Ramirez, 29 – fighting in front of a California crowd at home at Fresno’s Save Mart Center – pressured throughout the competition, and although Pedraza had the skill to make him slip at times, he landed enough to get through most of the first set. The wily 32-year-old Pedraza rallied in the middle of the game, especially launching some dangerous shots in the seventh round, but Ramirez maintained his composure and powerful finish in the final two innings.
Ramirez’s old nemesis Taylor has announced a move up to 147lbs, suggesting the four alphabet belts the Scots hold about to be available. After the win at Pedraza, Ramirez showed his intention to stay at 140lbs and reclaim the world title.
“I am ready to stay active and stay motivated,” he said. “There are a lot of really great fighters going up to 140. Right now there are a lot of really good fighters over 140.
“Jose Pedraza is a smart, experienced boxer. He will find a way to survive and fight… Hats off to me and his team. He was well prepared.
“I’m a little nervous going into this fight because of my last fight. Fighting at home, last minute I was a little more nervous than I thought. I went out there and just boxed it up, having fun in it. I played it smart, used my shot, and I think I won over eight innings.”
Image: Mikey Williams / Top Rated
