Former world champion Rico “Suave” Ramos takes on Mexico’s Oscar “Fantasma” Gonzalez in the featherweight main event broadcast by the very popular ESPN “Friday Night Fights” series on Friday, April 12 at the beautiful Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, WA.
Ramos (21-2, 11 KOs) lost his WBA junior featherweight world title to Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux, who many consider the greatest Cuban boxer ever, and now faces upset minded Gonzalez (17-2, 13 KOs) with the winner placing them in contention for a world championship bout. In the semi-main bout, Farah Ennis (20-1, 12 KOs) will challenge the heavy-handed Francisco Sierra (25-7-1, 22 KOs) of Mexico in a super middleweight clash.
The world-class night of boxing is being promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and will take place in the Skookum Creek Event Center at Little Creek.
Los Angeles native Ramos, 25 is set on regaining his world championship status and a return to prominence by taking on the very tough task in Gonzalez to do it. The hard-hitting and durable Gonzalez, a native of Mexico City, has his thoughts on adding the former world champion to his resume.
The speedy Ramos lost a close decision two months ago and is anxious to turn things around. “I can’t wait to get back into the ring and get back to my boxing style and winning ways. I was very disappointed with my last performance and have made that commitment of ‘whatever it takes’ attitude to turn things around,” said Ramos. “I know I have the skills, talent and determination to take my career back to the world championship level. I am really grateful that I have the ESPN platform to showcase all of the hard work that I have put into the gym. My dedication will be evident to all of those fans that are ringside and watching me on ESPN on fight night.”
Gonzalez, 23, who is promoted by former multi-world champion Erik Morales and Mexico’s Zanfer Promotions, understands that a victory over Ramos can put him back on track for his career goal, a world title. The fight is scheduled for 10-rounds and will prove significant for the man that emerges victorious.
“I’ve seen Ramos fight before and I don’t believe he’s going to be able to take my punches,” said Gonzalez. “Ramos is a talented fighter and a win over him, especially when I knock him out cold, will put me in a good position.”
Promoter Dan Goossen echoed the sentiments of the fighters, “A career is on the line in the Ramos-Gonzalez fight. The winner moves on and the loser moves out. Can’t have any more at stake than that.”
Continued Goossen, “In the Ennis-Sierra bout, we will find out if Farah has what it takes to add his name to the likes of the other top super middleweights in the world. I know one thing, Sierra has spoiled many fighter dreams and he won’t give up an inch to Ennis when the bell rings.”
