Nicolas Ramirez from Ramos Boxing Team begins to attack nursing sophomore Alfred Serna during the Golden Gloves tournament Tuesday at Woodlawn Gym. Photo by Alejandro Diaz
Nicolas Ramirez from Ramos Boxing Team is declared the winner over nursing sophomore Alfred Serna after an unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 3-0 in favor of Ramirez. Photo by Alejandro Diaz
Two brothers, decorated fighters face off as coaches in the Golden Gloves Tournament.
By Jose Arredondo
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Hector Ramos, this college’s boxing club coach, comes from a family of boxers that includes his father, Arturo Ramos Jr., and brothers Mike and Arturo Ramos.
On Tuesday, he matched up against Arturo Ramos and Ramos Boxing Team in the 2016 San Antonio Regional Golden Gloves tournament at Woodlawn Gymnasium.
Michael Shields, from team Alcoser, blocks a punch from Antonio Chavez, unattached, during their fight in the 152 pounds Welterweight class Tuesday in the Golden Gloves Regional Tournament at Woodlawn Gym. Photo by Alejandro Diaz
And this time, their gloves were really off — because the brothers weren’t fighting each other; they were coaching boxers facing off.
The two combatant-turned-coaches admitted it was unusual seeing each other in their respective corners.
“It was just awkward seeing your little brother across the ring,” said Arturo Ramos, 39. “He has his little warrior and I have mine.”
Hector Ramos, whose warrior was nursing sophomore Alfred Serna, added, “I didn’t feel good about it, but we both knew it was a possibility.”
Arturo Ramos coached 17 year-old Nicolas Ramirez.
Both fighters were in the second fight of their amateur careers. However, Ramirez has two years of experience compared to Serna’s one year of training.
Ramirez defeated Serna and swept all three rounds in the novice, light welterweight bout.
“He (Ramirez) was the better fighter tonight,” Serna said. “He controlled the tempo of the fight.”
Although Serna didn’t capture the victory, he understands what he needs to improve.
“Defense, I definitely need to work on defense,” Serna said.
Hector Ramos, 34, shared some post-fight words of wisdom with Serna.
“Hey, this is a learning experience, you fought for the first time on the big stage,” Ramos told Serna. “You got that one out of the way and you know what you need to work on. Now enjoy the rest of the evening with your family.”
Arturo Ramos praised his younger brother on the progression he has made since he started coaching this college’s boxing club in December 2011.
“The intelligence is there, and he knows how to communicate with the fighters,” Arturo Ramos said. “He prepares them physically really well, but more importantly, he does a great job of preparing them mentally.”
Arturo Ramos said there is no sibling rivalry.
“We help each other as much as we can,” he said. “He brings his fighters to our gym and they train with ours.”
This college’s next bout will be today at Woodlawn Gymnasium, 1103 Cincinnati, when biology sophomore Vanessa Ruiz-Bolanos takes on Arely Moncada from Eagle Pass Boxing Club.
The fights will start at 6 p.m.
