Ex Champ Rico Ramos Meets Rios Friday, on “ShoBox”

Sherman Oaks, Calif. (January 10)-Former WBA World Super Bantamweight titleholder Rico Ramos (21-1, 11 KOs) is prepared to halt 22-year-old Ronny Rios’ (19-0, 9 KOs) ascension to becoming a world contender by giving Rios his first professional loss as the two battle for the NABF Featherweight Title in a bout to be televised on SHOWTIME® SHOBOX: The New Generation series at 11:15 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast this Friday.

Ramos enters the fight with a vengeance with the memory of surrendering the WBA World Super Bantamweight belt to the very talented Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux a year ago still fresh in his mind and knowing a victory Friday puts him right back into the world championship picture.

The 25-year-old nicknamed “Suavecito” had won the title with a seventh-round one-punch knockout of Akifumi Shimoda in July 2011.

In his most recent bout this past June, Ramos battled back from his first career loss to overcome then-undefeated Efrain Esquivias by decision in a thrilling eight-round fight. He aims to do the same to the undefeated Rios.

“It’s a big fight for Rico,” stated Ramos promoter Dan Goossen. “There’s no doubt he’s got the talent to come away with the victory.”

Ramos has taken the Rios challenge agreeing to a weight of 126 pounds, although he has hovered around 122 pounds for the duration of his five-year professional career.

“I have no problem making 122 [pounds], but I feel strong and good at 126 for this fight,” Ramos said of his weight. “I want the opportunity to test the waters at 126 and see what’s out there for me.”

The event, which will be hosted by Fantasy Springs Casino Resort in Indio, Calif., is being promoted by Golden Boy Promotions with the Ramos-Rios bout in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions.