Mando Ramos

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Armando Ramos (born November 15, 1948 in Long Beach, CA) was a professional boxer.

Armando "Mando" Ramos was one of the most popular and exciting fighters in Southern California during the 1960s. Ramos was an outstanding amateur standout. He was somewhat slow-footed in the ring, but his punches packed knockout power.

[edit] Professional career

Mando Ramos was Los Angeles's pride and joy. Charismatic and talented. He turned pro at age 17 (forged birth certificate) He was the hottest ticket on the West Coast. Mando was fighting the main event at the storied Olympic Auditorium by his 8th pro fight. He destroyed top ten contender's easily. At the remarkable age of 18 Mando dominated the reigning Jr. Lightweight Champ, Japan's heralded Yoshiro Kobayashi in a non-title bout. Offered a re-match, Mando refused to fight for any 'Junior' title. He demanded to fight legendary Lightweight Champ Carlos Ortiz. Negotiations were in place, but Ortiz was upset by 'Teo' Cruz and so Mando took the fight to the new champ, narrowly losing a razor-thin decision. Mando won the re-match via tko to become the youngest Lightweight Champion in history!

Trained by Hall of Fame trainer Jackie McCoy, Ramos fought ten World title fights, was a two-time champiom and earned millions of dollars. Whilst Mickey Mantle and Joe Namath earned 100k per season... Mando was earning 100K per NIGHT. He was the world's highest paid teenager and his purses were larger than anyone but Cassius Clay's.

Tough fights however, had taken their toll, along with the high life... mansions, fast cars and even faster women... in addition to the temptation of drugs and alcohol, put the brakes on a phenomenal career. By age 24 Mando was out of boxiing. He hit rock bottom for a few years. But his champion's heart, by now assisted by a pace-maker, refused to go out lying down. With the aid of his wonderfully supportive wife, Sylvia Van Hecke, Mando overcame his demons and has been clean and sober for over three decades. He founded a non-profit youth organization---B.A.A.D.--boxing against alcohol and drugs-- and donated tens of thousands of his own personal hours-- to coaching, mentoring and training inner-city at-risk youths.

Mando was a rare talent. Had all the tools. Speed, stamina... a great jab, great right hand, great left hook and a granite chin. His heart was as big as a lion's. Mando the fighter... and Mando the man.... belongs to the ages.

Preceded by Carlos Teo Cruz	World Lightweight Champion 18 Feb 1969–3 Mar 1970	Succeeded by Ismael Laguna
Preceded by Pedro Carrasco	WBC Lightweight Champion 18 Feb 1972–15 Sep 1972	Succeeded by Chango Carmona