Inducted on November 8, 2001
Honoree Alex “The Bronx Bomber” Ramos
Alex was the first professional boxer under the management of Shelly Finkel and was co-managed by New Jersey’s own, Lou Duva.
Alex grew up in the Bronx, NY, and in 1980 he turned pro and moved to Clementon, NJ, where he lived in the same apartment complex as Johnny “Bump City” Bumphus. He trained at Smokin’ Joe Frazier’S gym in Philadelphia. Both during his amateur career .and pro career, Alex boxed at Ice World in Totowa as well as the Playboy and the hotels in Atlantic City.
As you know, professional boxers live a transient life, but Alex still calls the east coast home-the Bronx as his “neighborhood” and New Jersey as the initiation of a professional career. Overall, Alex’s career in boxing spanned 22 years. He now lives in Simi Valley, Cal., where he founded the Retired Boxers Foundation. Alex has selected representatives in most states where retired boxers reside and may be in need of assistance, including the state of New Jersey. Anyone who has had the privilege of speaking to Alex knows the dedication and commitment he has to the Retired Boxers Foundation. In some circles, he is known as “Relentless” (With a capital “R”!). He works seven days a week without compensation for the benefit of fighters who have a difficult time making the transition from the glorious days in the ring to a dignified retirement.
Amateur
• 4 time New York Golden Gloves Champion (1977, 78, 79, 80)
• National Golden Gloves Champion, National Junior Olympics Champion, National PAL (Police Athletic League) Champion, Silver Gloves Champion, and Empire State Champion
• Representative on the USA Boxing Team from 1978-80. This Olympic Team did not participate in the Games in Moscow-boycotted by President Carter. Teammates included Tony Ayala, Bernard Taylor, Mitchell Green, Tony Tucker, Johnny “Bump City” Bumphus and Davy Moore.
• Amateur record: 189 wins, 9 losses, 132 knockouts
Professional
• 1984 USBA Middleweight Champion (fought Curtis Parker, ranked as a number one middleweight contender in the world). This fight was named the “Fight of the Year”.
• 1986 California Middleweight Champion
• Pro record: 38 wins, 9 losses, 2 draws, 33 knockouts
• Retired in 1985 while ranked #9 in the world (middleweight), losing Championship bout with Jorge Castro in Argentina.
• Fought under Top Rank, managed by Shelly Finkel and Lou Duva. Trainers included George Benton (who trained Pernell Whittaker and Meldrick Taylor and all the Olympians); Also trained by Janks Morton who trained Sugar Ray Leonard. sparred with Marvin hagler, James Toney, Matthew Saad Muhammed, Randall “Tex” Cobb, Terry Norris, Tommy “Hit Man” Hearns and numerous world champions.
Manager: Shelly Finkel
Trainer: George Benton
Amateur Highlights
Alex Ramos won four New York Golden Gloves Championships. Ramos won the 1977 147lb Sub-Novice Championship, 1978 160lb Open Championship, 1979 160lb Open Championship and the 1980 156lb Open Championship. In 1977 Ramos defeated Julian Kelly in the finals. In 1978 Ramos defeated Norberto Sabater in the finals. In 1979 Ramos defeated Noel Tucker in the finals and in 1980 Ramos defeated Ramon Nieto in the finals. Ramos trained at the Jerome Boxing Club in the Bronx, New York in 1977 and 1978. In 1979 and 1980 Ramos trained at the Bronxchester Boys Club in the Bronx, New York.
- 1978 representing New York won the Intercity Golden Gloves in the 156 lb. division.
- 1978 representing New York won the Intercity Golden Gloves in the 165 lb. division.
- 1979 National AAU 165-lb Champion
- Amateur record: 143-9 (92 KOs)
Retired Boxers Foundation
- In 1998, Ramos established the Retired Boxers Foundation which seeks to “assist retired professional boxers, especially those suffering from alcohol and substance abuse problems, homelessness and the effects of pugilistic dementia… in the transition from their glorious days in the ring to a dignified retirement. (Also) to identify and build resources that are available and accessible to retired professional boxers in need, and their families, including: Rehabilitation, Housing, Financial Assistance, and Job Training Services.” [1]
Boxing Record: click