Saturday, March 17th 2018
Jose Ramirez Defeats Amir Imam
NEW YORK (Match 17, 2018) — The pride of Central California, Jose Ramirez, went into the trenches, took the best shots Amir Imam had to offer, and can now call himself a world champion. Ramirez, a 2012 U.S. Olympian from the farming community of Avenal, defeated Imam by unanimous decision (120-108, 117-111,115-113 ) to win the vacant WBC Super Lightweight world title, the milestone 2,000th title fight in the WBC’s 55-year history.
Ramirez (22-0, 16 KOs), whose commitment to water rights for Central California farmers and the rights of immigrants has made him hometown hero, won over the New York City faithful. In the 12th round, as he closed in on a knockout, the largely Irish contingent started chanting, “Jose! Jose! Jose!”
Imam (21-2, 18 KOs) refused to be knocked off his feet, but was battered down the stretch as Ramirez became world champion in thrilling fashion.
