As big bout looms, Fresno pro boxer Jose Ramirez is in giving mood

Two days ahead of the next step on what he hopes is a journey to a world title fight, pro boxer Jose Ramirez took time out both to give and receive.

Ramirez and other fighters were at Maya Cinemas on Thursday to promote their bouts on Saturday night’s“Fight for Water 7” card at Save Mart Center.

But early in the news conference, the focus was on recognizing Ramirez’s efforts outside the ring.

Marines from the Fresno recruiting substation presented the central San Joaquin Valley native with a hoodie with “Marines” in red on the back. And he and Fresno State announced that the Jose Ramirez Scholarship fund will increase to a projected $50,000.

“It’s definitely an honor to get that recognition to see the support from the Marine Corps here in Fresno,” said Ramirez, who will face Mike Reed in a 10-round super lightweight bout as part of the main card on ESPN. “I’m very thankful for what they’ve done and do for us to keep everybody safe.”

As for the scholarship fund, Ramirez called it a blessing to be in a position to help students who are looking for help to pay for college. The fund is designated to benefit youths from Avenal, where Ramirez grew up on his way to a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

“I went to Sacramento and I’m not allowed to say the donor’s name, and part of the deal that was made was for them to put something in my scholarship fund, which they promised, and they did,” Ramirez said. “I’m happy to announce that it’s at $50,000.

“We’ll be starting to give out scholarship to Avenal students who come to Fresno State starting, I think, in March.”

The fund started at $17,000.

“Jose Ramirez generously started the scholarship earlier in his career,” Fresno State President Joseph Castro said. “And it’s to help students from the San Joaquin Valley to go to college, specifically children of migrant farm workers. Today, we added to that.”

This story was originally published November 9, 2017 at 5:20 PM with the headline "As big bout looms, Fresno pro boxer Jose Ramirez is in giving mood."