Jose Carlos Ramirez vs Jose Pedraza – Results & Post-Fight Report

Jose Carlos Ramirez got back on track in his attempt to regain world titles at super lightweight, as he took a 12 round decision win, and the vacant WBO International super lightweight belt against Jose Pedraza at Save Mart Arena in Fresno.

Ramirez was coming off a loss in his last fight, a razor thin decision loss to Josh Taylor last May in an attempt to become undisputed champion. Pedraza had previously ruled as world champion at super featherweight and lightweight, and was looking to reign at a third weight having won his last three at ten stone.

Ramirez had the better of the opener, moving forwards and landing combinations, and Pedraza’s eye was swollen as early as the second. The visitor was having success out of the southpaw stance, and Ramirez had to be on his guard. Pedraza was caught at the end of the fourth by a stiff left hand, but the action was mainly tit-for-tat stuff, with each taking turns to go on the attack.

Pedraza would switch styles to good effect, while Ramirez was working well off the jab and landing decent combinations. Ramirez was just one step ahead in the main, and he produced some good work to the body in round eight in particular as he slipped into a more relaxed rhythm. Pedraza’s face sowed signs of damage as Ramirez had a solid ninth, and down the stretch, the Californian stalked his opponent, and although Pedraza had pockets of success, Ramirez kept the pressure on and kept coming forward, stifling most of the Puerto Rican’s work. Ramirez let his hands go in the final frame, but Pedraza held firm, and the fight went to the cards.

All three judges scored the contest 116-112 and Ramirez took the victory.

Joet Gonzalez claimed the vacant WBO International title at featherweight with a ninth round stoppage of Jeo Santisima. With Santisima taking a beating, the referee decided he had seen enough, although he was under little pressure at the time a halt was called.

At lightweight, Gabriel Flores Jr returned to winning ways, taking a majority decision win against Abraham Montoya over ten. Two scores of 96-94 for Flores were enough for the win, with the third card a draw at 95-95.

Also at lightweight, Hector Tanajara and Miguel Contreras couldn’t be separated in a draw over eight rounds, and Carlos Balderas scores a second round knockout against Amelia Mesquita.

Super middleweight prospect Javier Martinez remained unbeaten, but was dropped in the third on the way to a six round points win against Donte Stubbs. The two heavyweight encounters both ended in the second, with Richard Torrez halting Allen Mellon and Antonio Mireles doing the same against Brandon Hughes. Charlie Sheehy took a round to knock out Johnny Bernal.