Former world champion Rico Ramos scored an eight round majority decision over previously undefeated Efrain Esquivias in a Super Bantamweight bout at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California.
It was a highly contested bout and the first fight for Ramos since losing his title to Guillermo Rigondeaux.
Ramos, 122 lbs of Watts, CA won by scores of 78-74, 78-74 and 76-76 and is now 21-1. Esquivias, 123 lbs of Carson, CA is 16-1.
“He was tough, I knew he was going to be tough,” said Ramos. “He came forward at me a lot like I remember from fighting him in amateurs, but we prepared for that and we were ready for him. He went hard to the body, and so I came back with body shots of my own, and I was landing the cleaner shots. It feels great to be back in the win column. I’ll be coming back for my belt soon.”
Matt Villanueva remained undefeated by scrapping out an eight round unanimous decision over Bruno Escalante in a Super Flyweight bout.
Villanueva was cut from the left eye from the second round on but was able to fight through it in the exciting bout.
Villanueva, 114 1/2 lbs of Palmdale, CA is now 8-0-1. Escalante, 115 lbs of San Carlos, CA is now 5-1-1.
“That was the toughest fight I’ve ever had,” said Villanueva of his opponent. “He came to win, and he was much stronger than I thought. The kid can take a punch, he was taking everything but the kitchen sink. I really thought that the ref was going to come in and stop it on a few occasions when I was getting him against the ropes and just tagging him, but he stuck in there and made it exciting.”
