It is often said that hard work pays off, and in this particular instance, I would have to agree. Ultiminio "Sugar" Ramos, a legendary Cuban Featherweight champion and now Hall of Famer was honored by the people of South Florida this past Saturday, July 21st, at the Miami Plaza Hotel in Hialeah Gardens.

    Ramos worked hard during his career to earn the accolades. His record 55-7-4 doesn't really do his career justice. The man was in some wars, back in the day when champions and their challengers fought 15 rounds, all 15 of them, unlike some of today's crop.

    There has been glory and tragedy in Sugar's career. He has the dubious honor of having had two opponents die as a result of the beatings sustained in their fights. José "Tigre" Blanco in Havana, Cuba, and courageous champion Davey Moore in Los Angeles, California. Oddly enough it was Blanco's mother who convinced Ramos to return to the ring, releasing him from any culpability in the death of her young son. Ramos promised her a championship belt and delivered it when be beat Orlando "El Gallito del Ring" Castillo, then Cuban Featherweight champion.

    There have been controversial decisions in his career as well. His loss to Carlos Ortiz, which was originally a win, with Sugar reigning as Lightweight champion for 48 hours, has to be considered moot, at best. Problems making weight and having had his team hire an ill informed dietician also cost him dearly. But rest assured that Ramos makes no excuses. Looking back at some of his fights, it became clear to me that he had an awesome style, a deadly combination of speed, power and true grit. He ducked no one in his career, and he fought all who were put in his path, traveling throughout the world to challenge and defend his title.

    Although he retired at the young age of 27, having turned pro at 15, the effects of such an arduous career are still apparent. His speech is somewhat slurred, there are vision problems, loss of hearing in one ear, and some other permanent injuries. But his love of the game has never diminished, his dream now passed on to his youngest son, Ultiminio Jr., who will be turning pro in the very near future.

    The tribute to Sugar Ramos was a huge success. Yours truly, with the assistance of sports radio personality, boxing promoter and former Mayor of Hialeah Julio Martinez, as well as Univision Sports anchor man, the popular Omar Claro, set out to recognize the pain and glory of this humble man. I believe we succeeded. Over two hundred guests showed up, in spite of the torrential rains that pervaded throughout the entire day and night.

    The WBC and FECARBOX organizations showed up to induct Ramos into the WBC's own Hall of Fame. Dr. Ferdie Pacheco came to pay tribute and I must tell you that the man missed his calling. Dr. Pacheco is quite a storyteller, and a very funny man. Actually, he revealed a well kept secret, one that shocked most in attendance, including the champ.

    Dr. Pacheco told us that the week prior to the Moore-Ramos duel, Moore's wife who was a very jealous woman, had hit Moore over the head with a baseball bat, following a domestic dispute. Dr. Pacheco feels that this blow was certainly a factor in the events that followed the Ramos fight and the death of Davey Moore. My question is this, why was this never revealed before? I suppose it doesn't really matter, does it? On the lighter side, the fight doctor told some very funny anecdotes about his days with Ramos, with another Cuban Hall of Famer, Welterweight champion Luis Manuel Rodríguez and with a man then known as Cassius Clay.

    The City of Miami Beach declared July 21, 2001, Ultiminio "Sugar" Ramos Day and the Honorable Mayor of the City of Miami, Joe Carollo, sent a similar Proclamation for the champ. The Boxing Veterans' Organization, represented by Mr. Carmine Bravo, Oleo Med Health Products, Tequiza beer and "El Chico" Restaurant also supported the event.

    At one point the stage at the Miami Plaza Hotel showcased some of the best Cuba had to give. "Pupi" García, Florentino "Tres Toneles" Fernández, "Kike" Lamela, Johnny Sarduy, "El Guaguerito" Martínez and the one and only "Kid" Gavilan. All flanking the man of the hour and posing for pictures for their many fans in attendance.

    Angelo Dundee, who co-trained Ramos along with Kid Rapidez, was unable to attend, but sent his blessings as well as a set of autographed gloves for the auction that was held. The audience was treated to a showing of the Davey Moore fight, in its entirety, a rare piece of film donated by a very generous boxing enthusiast who wished to remain anonymous. Thank you, Mr. Donor, and please know that not one person left the dining hall until the fight was over. Actually, if you didn't know any better, you'd think that the bout was going on live on PPV or cable TV. The group was into the fight, cheering and jeering, in awe of what many consider one of boxing's true classic battle.

    As I watched I couldn't help but think about Naseem Hamed, and his reputation as a hard hitting featherweight. It doesn't even come close! Ramos had a devastating punch, and he could deliver it with either hand.

    I thought about another "Sugar," Shane Mosley, and how his quick jabs pale in comparison to Ramos' machine gun like delivery of the same punch.

    I couldn't help but think about Oscar de la Hoya and Roy Jones, Jr. (Yes, I am going to go there). Oscar-Trinidad came to mind, the whining Hoya running during the championship rounds, coasting and hoping that he had done just enough to win the bout. Roy Jones, ducking anyone who may pose a problem and hoping that his fans will only remember his glory days; when his heart was still in place, and he met, and destroyed, guys like James "Lights Out" Toney head on.    

    Ultiminio "Sugar" Ramos was a warrior and a true champ. A man who fought not for the money, but for the pride and the love of the sport. Ramos' purse for the championship fight with Davey Moore was a measly $8,000.00, but he still gave his heart and soul in the ring, no excuses, no holds barred. Boxing needs more like him, guys with great pride and integrity, with skills and a tremendous respect for the sports and its fans.

    Champ, we salute and thank you for the wonderful memories!

7-2001