Newly crowned North American Boxing Association (NABA) super flyweight champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (10-0, 8 KOs) made a statement two weeks ago during the DAZN opener on the Zurdo Ramirez card -Dominic Boesel, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zurdo Promotions, live from Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA.
Ramirez’s statement was, “I’m here to take control!”
Ramirez, 25, fighting in nearby East Los Angeles, patiently set up Mexican opponent Jan Salvatierra until he exploded midway through the first round when he landed a powerful hook right that made Salvatierra falter. Ramirez showed composure beyond his years, blinding Salvatierra with a jab and following up with a straight right that landed on the button, which not only dropped his foe 8-1, but also knocked him out of the ring in an instant Knockout Candidate of the Year at 2:25 of the first round.
“When you land a shot like that,” Ramirez explained, “you can feel everything. I knew it was a money shot. I was sure the fight was over right after the right hook because that he retired. Going into the fight, I knew we were on completely different levels. He’s a good fighter that I wanted to fight on the big opportunity on DAZN.
“It feels good to win my first title belt, but I wasn’t surprised. All I had to do was be patient, stay focused and have faith. Winning the title was my main focus. I’m ready to fight anyone with a belt at 115 lbs. I’m her to take control and prove that I’m the best. I’m glad people around the world have seen me fight , but it wasn’t overnight like some have said. I’ve been working hard for five years.”
Ramirez is a downtown LA sports legend whose journey began on the grill, not in a ring, when he was a key member of the Lincoln High football team, portrayed in a 2015 documentary, “ESPN 60: Letterman”. The players came from a crime-ridden section of Hollywood riddled with drugs and guns. Ramirez was a 5’4”, 160-pound running back on a team that, from the Pop Warner competition, qualified for Lincoln High, which had had no success in football. Lincoln High went on to become a three-time league champion, highlighted by his appearance in the playoff semi-finals in his senior year, which ultimately led to ‘Scrappy’ earning a spot on the Los Angeles soccer team. Angeles Valley College.
“Scrappy” was moved to the fast lane by 3 Point Management (3 PM) after fighting 10 times in less than a year and a half. And he wants to get back in the ring as soon as possible.
“I’m ready to go,” he concluded. “I’m looking to get all the world title belts and be part of some cool stuff.”