A strong fighter with power in his right hand, Ramos won the Cuban featherweight title in 1960. However, as the revolution unfolded in his native country and the communist regime of Fidel Castro rose to power, Ramos left Cuba and headed for the busy boxing scene of Mexico City.
On March 21, 1963, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, a world championship tripleheader was staged. The bouts were: Luis Rodriguez W 15 Emile Griffith, Robert Cruz KO 1 Battling Torres and Ramos KO 11 Davey Moore. under the guidance of Hall of Famer trainer Angelo Dundee, Ramos dismantled the talented Moore for the world featherweight title. Sadly, Moore died as a result of injuries sustained in the bout.
Ramos retained the title three times before losing the crown via 12th round KO to Hall of Famer Vicente Saldivar on September 26, 1964. Ramos rebounded to twice challenge Hall of Famer Carlos Ortiz for the lightweight championship in 1966 and 1967 (Ortiz scored a 5th round KO and 4th round KO respectively).
Ramos continued to box for several years, although he never again challenged for a world title. Ramos retired in 1972.
Born: Dec. 2, 1941
Died: Sept. 3, 2017
Bouts: 66
Won: 55
Lost: 7
Drew: 4
KOs: 40
Induction: 2001
Courtesy of The Ring
Ultiminio (Sugar) Ramos
