Nickname(s) Pulgarcito Wins by KO 19 Died June 6, 1999 Stance Orthodox stance Wins 24 Role Boxer Total fights 56 | Nationality Mexican Name Manuel Ramos Division Heavyweight Rated at Heavyweight Losses 29 Height 1.93 m Draws 3 | |
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Manuel Ramos (November 20, 1942 – June 6, 1999), nicknamed Pulgarcito (Tom Thumb), was a Mexican boxer. He was the heavyweight champion of Mexico, a top world title contender in the late 1960s, and one of Mexico's most internationally successful heavyweights.
Biography
Manuel Ramos was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. He boxed professionally for two to three years in the early 1960s, but records of this period have not been preserved. He defeated Indio Lopez for the Mexican heavyweight title on June 24, 1963 by first-round knockout. He next fought a series of American opponents in Los Angeles area venues, attaining a mixed record of 5-6-2.
His fortunes improved dramatically from 1966 to 1968, with a string of 13 victories, including a split decision over former title contender Eddie Machen and a unanimous decision over former WBA champion Ernie Terrell. This led to him being ranked #4 by The Ring Magazine and set up a title match with NYSAC World Champion Joe Frazier.
The bout was held at Madison Square Garden on June 24, 1968. The iconic arena had just opened four months earlier, and Ramos was the first Mexican fighter to appear there. The match was an intense two-round battle, in which Ramos briefly staggered Frazier, but was then knocked down twice and lost by referee's stoppage when he signaled that he was unable to continue. This was to be Ramos's only world title fight.
He continued to be ranked as a top heavyweight through the end of the 1960s, but losses to George Chuvalo, Jack O'Halloran, and Chuck Wepner (in which Ramos inflicted serious cuts on his opponent but went on to lose by unanimous decision) marked the beginning of his decline. After a period as a gatekeeper for up-and-coming heavyweights in the early 1970s, he lost 15 straight fights and retired from boxing in 1977.
Outside of the ring, Ramos had roles in the Mexican films Nosotros los feos (1973) and El Loco Bronco (1989).
He worked as an office manager in the Mexican Navy, resigning in 1995.