In what is the 2012?s inaugural edition of ?ShoBox,? lightweight Luis Ramos steps up in class as he faces seasoned veteran Ray Beltran at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California for the NABA USA lightweight title. What this fight really represents for the 23-year-old native of Santa Ana, California, is the transition from young prospect to legitimate contender. After a productive 2011 that saw Ramos defeat the likes of Jose Hernandez, Francisco Lorenzo and David Rodela, he now takes on the toughest foe of his career.
In a similar situation back in May, Beltran gave then 19-0 Sharif Bogere all he could handle en route to a somewhat controversial decision loss to the Ugandan hopeful. Beltran is no gimme.
?Y? know, I don?t see it as the toughest fight because I think all my fights I?ve been in have been tough,? he told Maxboxing last week, ?but I?m going in there with the mentality that this is the biggest challenge in my life. So I?m ready and I?m excited to face [Beltran]. That?s what I live for and if I didn?t like challenges, I wouldn?t be doing it but I?m excited and I?m looking forward to it.?
