‘Other’ Hopkins gains belt, cruises past Ramos
By JE Grant
PHILADELPHIA --- With his uncle, all-time great Bernard looking on, boxing’s most famous fighting nephew, Demetrius Hopkins, 23-0-1 (9 KOs), North Philadelphia, 140, dominated light-hitting Mario Ramos 16-2-1 (3 KOs), Phoenix, Ariz., 138 ½, over 12 rounds to capture the vacant USBA junior welterweight title.
The awkward southpaw Ramos, who was riding an 11-bout win streak coming into the fight, puzzled Hopkins early but was unable throughout the bout to mount an attack of his own. Hopkins, normally reliant on a popping left jab, seemed hesitant to launch except with his right hand.
As the fight progressed, Hopkins mixed in effective left hooks – though not nearly as often as he could or should have. Most rounds were replicas of each other, with Hopkins landing the right, an occasional hook and body shots that took the fight out of Ramos.
Ramos, while not exactly a reluctant warrior, never threatened Hopkins in any sense. The very few punches he was able to land had almost no effect on the 25 year-old Hopkins.
Only in rounds 11 and 12 did the fight seem on the verge of ending before the final bell as Hopkins landed flush right hands on his demoralized opponent.
Hopkins is ready for a serious move to top 15 opponents and leaves this boxing match with the confidence that he can work for 12 rounds. Ramos is clearly not a world-class contender but his solid chin and overall sturdiness provided solid work. Clearly Hopkins' management team is on the ball in opponent selection.
JEBoxing and all three ringside judges scored the bout 119-108. Hopkins had a point deducted in round 8 for low blows but never came close to losing a round.
PHILADELPHIA --- With his uncle, all-time great Bernard looking on, boxing’s most famous fighting nephew, Demetrius Hopkins, 23-0-1 (9 KOs), North Philadelphia, 140, dominated light-hitting Mario Ramos 16-2-1 (3 KOs), Phoenix, Ariz., 138 ½, over 12 rounds to capture the vacant USBA junior welterweight title.
The awkward southpaw Ramos, who was riding an 11-bout win streak coming into the fight, puzzled Hopkins early but was unable throughout the bout to mount an attack of his own. Hopkins, normally reliant on a popping left jab, seemed hesitant to launch except with his right hand.
As the fight progressed, Hopkins mixed in effective left hooks – though not nearly as often as he could or should have. Most rounds were replicas of each other, with Hopkins landing the right, an occasional hook and body shots that took the fight out of Ramos.
Ramos, while not exactly a reluctant warrior, never threatened Hopkins in any sense. The very few punches he was able to land had almost no effect on the 25 year-old Hopkins.
Only in rounds 11 and 12 did the fight seem on the verge of ending before the final bell as Hopkins landed flush right hands on his demoralized opponent.
Hopkins is ready for a serious move to top 15 opponents and leaves this boxing match with the confidence that he can work for 12 rounds. Ramos is clearly not a world-class contender but his solid chin and overall sturdiness provided solid work. Clearly Hopkins' management team is on the ball in opponent selection.
JEBoxing and all three ringside judges scored the bout 119-108. Hopkins had a point deducted in round 8 for low blows but never came close to losing a round.
posted by JE Boxing at Friday, March 03, 2006
7 Comments:
Man...(Watching Kirk Johnson) If this guy got SERIOUS,and weighed in the 220's or 230's,he could be a TOP contender.But...He just lacks the 'intangibles' folks.
:-(
The Johnson ending was another in odd series of endings for him. The fact that he was once again way overweight and despite the fact that he was leading before the fight was stopped, it is clear to me that he is not serious about contending again.
The Johnson ending was another in odd series of endings for him. The fact that he was once again way overweight and despite the fact that he was leading before the fight was stopped, it is clear to me that he is not serious about contending again.
Hopkins has improved a lot. He may become a champion.
JE-The ironic thing about that injury is this;I probably don't think it would have happened had he come in lighter and in better shape.(i.e. I think he would have stopped that guy within a few rounds.)
Johnson is a guy who had every possible chance and came up short each time. Coulda, woulda, shoulda............
Hi, I was out blogging and found your site. It certainly got my attention and interest. I was looking for Town information and even though this isn't a perfect match I enjoyed your site. Thanks for the read!
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