Boxing: Ramirez weighs in at lightest yet for Saturday’s Las Vegas bout

For the first time since turning pro, Avenal native Jose Ramirez will fight at less than 140 pounds.

Ramirez tipped the scales at 138 at Friday’s weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena, with opponent Manny Perez of Denver at 138.5. Their bout highlights Top Rank CEO Bob Arum’s “No Trump” undercard in support of Saturday’s main event – Manny Pacquiao/Timothy Bradley Jr. III.

The pay-per-view broadcast begins at 6 p.m.

Ramirez (16-0, 12 KOs) and Perez (25-11-1, 6 KOs) meet in a scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout for Ramirez’s WBC Continental Americas title.

“I haven’t been 138 in a long time,” Ramirez said. “It wasn’t hard to make (the weight) because of the work, dedication and discipline I put in through training camp.”

The maximum weight was set at 140; he checked in at exactly that for his last bout in December.

“I feel strong and I don’t feel drained like you see some of the (past) fighters,” Ramirez said. “I’m relaxed and comfortable.”

Ramirez sells – The Ramirez camp sold more than $60,000 worth of tickets to Valley fight fans who will make the trip to Sin City, manager/promoter Rick Mirigian said.

Prices ranged from $200 to $22,000.

Endorsements mount – In the lead-up to his 17th pro bout, Ramirez signed deals to serve as spokesman for Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino and Ram Trucks.

“Ram supports Jose Ramirez – not only for the fact that he is an outstanding athlete and Olympian, but also for the dedication and passion he has for agriculture and farming,” Ram regional manager Matt Boegler said.

A multiyear deal with El Jefe Tequila will make Ramirez the face of that company’s responsible-drinking campaign. Ramirez also signed on with sandwich chain Deli Delicious, which started in Fresno in 1995 and now has 29 franchise stores in California.

In all, Ramirez signed eight new endorsement deals ahead of his first appearance on a PPV card. Logos for many of them will be on his robe and trunks.

Sponsors continue to be drawn to Ramirez not only for his exploits in the ring but his work outside it on causes such as increased access to water for Valley farmers.

“Jose Ramirez is not only a rising superstar in the sport of boxing, he has made an impact inside and outside the ring on the lives of people in the Central Valley of California,” Top Rank CEO Bob Arum said. “We are so proud of him, and just as proud of Rick Mirigian, who has worked tirelessly with Jose.”

This story was originally published April 8, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Boxing: Ramirez weighs in at lightest yet for Saturday’s Las Vegas bout."