By Norm Fraueheim-
Ray Beltran’s fight continues, just a couple days after Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement.
Beltran (36-9-1, 22 KOs), Pacquiao’s sparring partner during the prime years of his legendary career, is scheduled for a comeback Friday night against Mexican Edgar Ramirez (18-18-1, 14 KOs) in a junior-welterweight fight at the Glendale (AZ) Civic Center in suburban Phoenix.
Beltran, a former World Boxing Organization lightweight champion, hasn’t fought since he was stopped by Richard Commey in June 2019. Beltran, who lives in the Phoenix area, had hoped to fight on July 18. But the scheduled bout fell through when his opponent decided to stay home in Mexico.
Ramirez, a 30-year-old Mexican from Hermosillo, is 1-5 over his last six fights. Seven fights are scheduled for the card, including Phoenix featherweight Danny Barrios, who is coming off an impressive stoppage of Edward Ceballos for an Arizona 126-pound title on July 16 in Maryvale, AZ.
First bell is scheduled for 7 p.m. (PT).
