Jesus Ramos Jr. validated his move to middleweight on Saturday night, grinding out a hard-fought victory over Shane Mosley Jr. to win the WBC interim middleweight championship. Though neither fighter entered the bout ranked by the sanctioning body, the matchup was surprisingly elevated to title status and Ramos took full advantage.
The 24-year-old southpaw had grown frustrated by a lack of opportunities at junior middleweight, prompting the jump to 160. The risk proved worthwhile, though not without turbulence.
Ramos (now competing at 160) staggered Mosley in the opening minute of the fight with a sharp straight left, only for Mosley to respond seconds later with a right hand that backed Ramos up.