By: Jim Amato

It is with grear sadness to report that former world’s lightweight champion Mando Ramos has passed away. He was 59 years old. I was notified by his dear friend boxing historian David Martinez. Mr. Ramos was one of my early boxing favorites. May his soul rest in peace.

Mando Ramos was good enough to fight for the lightweight championship at the age of 19. He lost a decision to Carlos Teo Cruz. A year later he beat Cruz to win the title. He lost the crown to Ismael Laguna but a few years later he gained the WBC version of the title by beating Pedro Carrasco. He lost the title for good to Chango Carmona.

I admired the fact he was such a good fighter at that young age. He was not that much older then me. It is well documented that his problems with drugs and alcohol led to the rapid decline of his boxing skills. I had great respect for Mando because he was able to lick his addiction and turn his life around. He started B.A.A.D which is Boxers Against Alcohol And Drugs. He was a fighter that tried to give something back to his community. This is a very sad day indeed.