Sports

Why Jose Ramirez enjoys visiting patients at Valley Children's and meeting fans

By Anthony Galaviz

Jose Ramirez is all about giving back.

Well, except for the belt he's wearing.

The boxing champion from Avenal, who defends his WBC super lightweight world title for the first time Saturday, stops often to give an autograph or pose for a photo.

And leading up to his fight against Danny O’Connor at the Save Mart Center, Ramirez made appearances at Vallarta Supermarkets, Valley Children’s Healthcare and Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino to meet with fans. He will participate in an open workout on Wednesday at Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company, beginning at 1 p.m.

What a great day today at @valleychildrens . This kids humble, inspired and motivate me to be a better person, there are true champions. I thank god for my blessing including this beautiful experience. God bless all the families that are going through this similar battles. #Repost @promoter559 This is why your a Champion to me @jcramirez2012 Spent hours today @valleychildrens and touched so many of these kids deep. Money raised from Ramirez Championship belt auction will benefit many of the families he saw today direct and others as well. Thank you to the @ffcfoxes and the @instagrizz_fg for sending your mascots for us and making these kids smile! And a very special shout out to the @wbcboxing @wbcmoro @jill_diamond_chastain @wbccares and @nancyr505 for sending the belts and medals for these lil Champions and fighter's @zaratv @rob_saroyan you and your staff are first class! #Boxing This was all done in honor of Anthony Arroyo, a young man who lost his battle to cancer that Ramirez met with few years ago, he has inspired us all. #TeamRamirez #WorldChampion #KeepOnFighting #Faith #GodBless

A post shared by Jose Carlos Ramirez (@jcramirez2012) on

Stopping at Valley Children's on Saturday touched Ramirez the most; he called the patients he met "true champions."

“I thank god for my blessing including this beautiful experience. God bless all the families that are going through" trying times at the hospital, Ramirez wrote on his Instagram account.

Ramirez says he wants to keep helping. “I want to be able to finish my career where I can give my family a better future, and my son. I just want to be one those fighters that fought his best and also gave back" to the community.

One way he's helping: He donated a replica of his WBC title belt to be auctioned with proceeds going to Valley Children's. The bidding ends Friday; Quincy Pondexter was the leader Tuesday afternoon with a bid of $11,000.

Ramirez, 26, has been a pro since 2012 and has spent most of his life in the ring. He became a world champion in March when he defeated Amir Imam by unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden. Now, he gets to bring the real belt back home.

“I can feel the excitement from the people in the crowd from Fresno,” Ramirez says. “I know it’s going to be a good crowd and a good event. The atmosphere is going to be extremely good. The fights keeping getting better and I’m thankful for the fans and supporters."

Anthony Galaviz: @agalaviz_TheBee

Protecting home: Jose Ramirez

WBC super lightweight world title defense

Jose Ramirez (22-0, 16 KOs) vs. Danny O'Connor (30-3, 1 KO)

Saturday at Save Mart Center

Doors open at 3 p.m., ESPN telecast begins at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10-$147 can be purchased at the Save Mart Center box office or ticketmaster.com

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