BY DAVID A. AVILA
Jose Ramirez Blows by Reed: Beterbiev Wins IBF Title in Fresno
Hurricanes don’t happen in California but Jose Ramirez brought one to Mike Reed to win by knockout in a battle of undefeated super lightweight contenders on Saturday.
Northern California’s Ramirez (21-0, 16 KOs) brought those hurricane forces promised by his team against Maryland’s Reed (23-1, 12 KOs) in front of more than 13,000 rabid fans at Save Mart Arena in Fresno. The prizefighter from the little town of Avenal retained the WBC Continental America’s title.
Both fighters entered the boxing ring very familiar with each other after many years in the USA amateur boxing program. But the difference between amateurs and pros can be as wide as the Gulf of Mexico.
Ramirez opened up immediately with his frenetic, always-punching style and Reed resorted to defensive strengths. The Northern Californian surprised no one with his nonstop volume punching but Reed seemed a little surprised. Though he had studied the Mexican-American fighter for years, it was a bit of surprise in person.
In between rounds Reed seemed poised and calm. But the real storm was about to arrive.
With the crowd loud and cheering mostly for Ramirez he did not disappoint. The tall 140-pounder came out winging and forced the shorter Reed against the ropes with combinations to the body and head. A nonstop 10-punch combination including a left hook to the side of the head had Reed reeling and down early in the second round.
Reed looked hurt but still maintained his senses.
Ramirez attacked full force again and connected with some wicked body blows but forced his arm down on Reed’s head and down he went. The referee wisely ruled it was not a knockdown. Reed got up but looked dizzy. Ramirez attacked again and had Reed pinned on the ropes and again connected with wicked body shots with no return fire from Reed. Referee Jack Reiss waved the fight over at 1:43 of the second round.
Reed looked a little surprised at the stoppage.
“It was stopped extremely early,” said Reed, 24, who had never been down before as a pro. “He got me with body shots but I thought the fight was stopped a little early.”
Ramirez was ecstatic.
“It’s a big blessing for a kid from Avenal,” said Ramirez, 25, who is trained by Freddie Roach. “I’m so thankful to get this win.”
After the knockout win by Ramirez it was said he could be facing Amir Imam for the vacant world title next.
Light Heavyweights
Russia’s Artur Beterbiev (12-0, 12 KOs) methodically beat down Germany’s Enrico Koelling (23-2, 6 KOs) to eventually win by stoppage at 2:33 of the 12[SUP]th[/SUP] and final round. The win gives Beterbiev the vacant IBF light heavyweight world title.
Beterbiev, 32, has been fighting only four years professionally. As an amateur he won more than 300 fights and was an amateur world champion twice. He picked up one of the vacant light heavyweight titles left behind by the now-retired Andre Ward.
Other Bouts
Amir Imam (21-1, 18 KOs) stopped Johnny Garcia (19-6-1) at the end of round four to win by technical knockout. He is ranked number one by the WBC and the win puts him in line for the super lightweight title.
Alex Saucedo (26-0, 16 KOs) stopped Gustavo Vittori (20-3-1) in the third round to win the vacant WBA NABA super lightweight title. Saucedo, 23, fights out of Oklahoma City.
Maxim Dadashev (9-0, 8 KOs) won by knockout over Clarence Booth (15-4) in the fourth round of their welterweight clash. Dadashev, 27, trains in Oxnard, Calif.
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Photo credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank
