Luis Ramos & Raymundo Beltran Headline First Fantasy Springs Show In 2012

INDIO-Trust me when I say Luis Ramos and “Sugar” Raymundo Beltran are going to light it up next month in their lightweight match. Light it up.

Mexico’s Beltran (25-5, 17 KOs) meets Southern California born Ramos (20-0, 9 KOs) on Friday Jan. 6, at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio. Golden Boy Promotions and ShoBox, The New Generation are sponsoring the clash between 135-pounders. Showtime is televising.

Not even Ramos’s girl friend is getting in his way.

“I love boxing more than my girlfriend,” exclaimed Ramos, 23, and that drew a laugh from the press conference crowd on Tuesday at Fantasy Springs.

How many men would dare say that?

Facing the prospect from Santa Ana will be Beltran who like Ramos is not afraid to speak his mind when he says three of his losses were tainted by poor officiating and judging.

“I’m not just saying it, but I have three losses I know for sure that I won but got robbed by the judges and referees,” said Beltran who traveled with his promoter Steve Bash to the press conference. “Two of the losses I did lose. I’ll say that.”

The fight matches the more famous Wild Card Boxing gym where Beltran has trained for a decade under Freddie Roach and the rapidly rising Santa Ana gym where Ramos trains under Hector Lopez.

“If you’re not ready for sparring at the Wild Card they’ll hand you your a–,” says Beltran chuckling. “You have to be ready. I like that.”

Ramos has been the spearhead for the Santa Ana gym and has remained undefeated with his unique southpaw boxing style. Last month he defeated the talented David Rodela by knockout and is matched with another skilled fighter in Beltran.

“I’m excited about this fight and fighting on Showtime,” says Ramos, who is Mexican and Guatemalan. “I’m giving 100 percent to the sport now. I wasn’t doing that before and made some mistakes. Not any more.”

Beltran, 30, says he’s learned that beating the house fighter requires more than out-boxing your opponent.

“I’ve been robbed before so I’m not going for a decision, I’m going for the knockout,” promises Beltran. “I learned my lesson.”

Last year Golden Boy started putting on shows at Fantasy Springs and they proved wildly popular despite the distance from Los Angeles. Most of the crowd emanated from the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs area but the Los Angeles and Riverside areas also attended the boxing events.

“We look forward to another year of great fights,” said Paul Ryan, general manager at Fantasy Springs Casino.

For more information (800) 827-2946.

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