Luis Ramos (10-0, 5 KO’s) is a former six time amateur national champion and considered one of the hottest prospects on the west coast. Fresh off a win on Saturday’s Golden Boy Promotions card, the 20 year old lightweight out of Santa Ana, California sat down and answered some questions:
How did you feel being part of such a big card on Saturday with Victor Ortiz, James Kirkland and Robert Guerrero?
It was an incredible feeling. I really liked fighting in front of a big crowd and I was happy to see all the people that came to see me from Santa Ana. It was a great experience.
What are your goals in boxing?
My goal is to be the best lightweight in the world and to be a pound for pound top fighter. I want to conquer all the world titles and I want to change boxing. I want people to say “I want to be that guy.” I want to be a legend. I want to be someone in the sport that succeeded and was a humble, clean cut guy. There are a lot of great champions in the lightweight division. One day I’ll have to fight the top guy and I’m excited for that day.
What does it take to be a champion?
I think it takes a lot of hard work. With the blink of an eye you can lose it all so you have to be prepared mentally and physically. You have to be dedicated to this sport to succeed. I’m more than willing to make all the necessary sacrifices.
What motivates you?
My parents. They’ve been everything to me. They both have two jobs and are constantly making sure we have what we need. Seeing my mom and dad getting up early to go work so they can provide for the family makes me work hard also. They’re the reason I leave everything in the ring and why I train so hard.
Who got you into the sport?
Actually I was walking by the Jerome Center when I was about seven years old and I went in there and looked around. I tried out a few sports but I fell in love with boxing. I wasn’t that great at first but I kept at it. Eventually I met my trainer Hector Lopez and we’ve been together ever since.
What fighters do you like to watch?
I watch a lot of fighters. Pacquiao, Mayweather, Barrera and De La Hoya. I like watching them and trying to do some of the stuff they do when I’m in the gym. I’ve learned a lot from them.
Where would you like to travel?
I’d like to travel to Europe and to Mexico and Guatemala where my parents are from. I’d like to see where they grew up and I like the Maya and Aztec culture so I’d like to see some of the pyramids and the ruins. It’s a very interesting culture and since I have some of that blood running through my veins, it would be exciting to visit those places.
What do you do when you’re not boxing?
When I’m not training I like to hang out with my family and friends. I like to play basketball, go to the movies and snowboarding just like any person my age. Just have fun. I get real bored easy so I’m always looking for something fun to do.
What message do you want to give to the fans that follow you to all your fights?
Those fans deserve a lot and I appreciate that they follow me and support me. When I fight I like to take my performance to a new level each time out. I like to step up my game for the fans. I have to work hard and I know it’s only going to get tougher and tougher but I’m willing to give my best in order to get my victories.
What’s it like to be part of the well known Espinoza Boxing Club?
My manager Frank Espinoza has been great to me. A lot of managers didn’t want to take the risk on me. A lot of managers weren’t sure. Nobody wanted to open the door for me but Frank opened it and took that risk. Now, those people that didn’t take the risk know what I’m capable of. I know that with Frank and my training camp we’re going to go all the way.
For more on Luis Ramos: EspinozaBoxingClub.com