H.A.N.D.S. Interview: Luis Ramos
Luis Ramos 13-0-0 (7 KOs)
Hines:
Thank you for taking the time out to talking with me on the H.A.N.D.S. Boxing Show… Let me see if I’ve got this right… You fight out of the Espinoza Boxing Club… You’re promoted by Golden Boy… You’re 21 years old—you’re making me feel old man!
Ramos:
(laughs, laughs)
Hines:
You’re a mean and patient southpaw, and a top prospect in the lightweight division… and you have a record of 13-0-0 with 7 KO’s… Does that sound “on point”?
Ramos:
Yes, sir…
Hines:
Tell me what’s happening this February 25th at Club Nokia in Los Angeles.
Ramos:
I’ll be back in there after a 5 month break, and I’m looking forward to it… I’m on the undercard of Victor Ortiz which I’m co-main eventing… So it will be interesting with me and Victor on the same card… I’m just happy to be fighting again…
Hines:
I’ve had the opportunity to watch your work, and you look like a very strong and disciplined southpaw…
Ramos:
Thank you. That’s all due to my coach… He works with me on speed, on power… So everything is going pretty good, and we’ve been victorious with everything we’ve put in the gym, so we’re trying to keep that winning streak going…
Hines:
Tell the fans how you got started with boxing.
Ramos:
I started when I was eight… Me, my mom, my brother, and my sister were going to church… The church was just down the street from where I lived… & there was a park where they had baseball… But in the back they had a building—a training center… So I told my mom, “Why don’t we take a look?”… So we went, and the lady that helped us out said that they offered soccer, basketball, karate, everything… So like the typical Mexican kid, I was into soccer, and I was going to sign up for that… but then the lady told me they also had boxing… I told her I’d take a look at it… So then I was standing there, behind the door, and I saw the people hitting the mitts, the speed bag, people shadow boxing, jump roping, and all that noise attracted me… I forgot all soccer and signed up for boxing… The rest is history…
Hines:
So you were destined to pick up Prize fighting?
Ramos:
Yes.
Hines:
Was there a specific moment in time when you realized that?
Ramos:
No. I’m going to be dead honest with you. I didn’t… When I started, I was just a little chubby kid coming into the gym, but I never took it seriously until I started competing… When I did my first amateur fight and I won my first trophy I was excited, and ever since I just loved it…
Hines:
How would you describe your fighting style?
Ramos:
I’m a boxer-puncher… Me and my trainer Hector work in the gym for different styles… If we have to outbox an opponent then we’ll do it… But if we have to sit there and “bang” then we’ll do it… I adapt to different styles and I pick it up right away…
Hines:
So you would say your style is versatile?
Ramos:
A lot of people say that “south paws” are mostly counter-punchers, and it’s true… A lot of them are counter-punchers… But I’m different, and it’s helped me with my winning streak…
Hines:
From what I have seen your coach has done an amazing job, so just keep listening to him & you’ll be just fine.
Ramos:
That’s why I practice so hard with Hector & thanks to him I am where I’m at right now… he takes a lot of his time from work and tries to help me and Ronny (Rios), my teammate, so I have to give him and his wife a lot of “props”… They have two kids, two little girls, and they’re both very supportive and without that support I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing now…
Hines:
It sounds like your trainer and the people in your camp are like family.
Ramos:
I’ve been with Hector for almost 13 years now… he used to train my little brother and my sister… & his kids are like sisters to me because when I was small, I held them when they were born… We’re family…
Hines:
Who are some of your favorite fighters?
Ramos:
Growing up my dad used to watch a lot of Julio Cesar Chavez… I used to watch him with my dad and my uncle… But I was still young, and would rather have been running around than watching boxing (laughs, laughs)… Then Oscar “popped” up and I saw him winning and winning… So I would have to say Oscar Delahoya and Julio Cesar Chavez.
Hines:
Now the fans have some questions for Luis Ramos pertaining to his life outside of the ring. Do you have a favorite NBA team?
Ramos:
LAKERS!
Hines:
Kobe?
Ramos:
Shannon Brown.
Hines:
How about your NFL squad?
Ramos:
Patriots.
Hines:
A Patriots fan. How did that happen? (laughs, laughs)
Ramos:
(laughs, laughs) Growing up with Hector… Hector was a Patriots fan and I started watching games with him… Eventually I became a fan.
Hines:
Do you have a favorite movie?
Ramos:
Coach Carter… & Space Jam (laughs, laughs)
Hines:
Samuel Jackson, I can dig it… & how about a favorite musician or style of music?
Ramos:
In Spanish—Vicente Fernandez… In English would have to be R&B mostly and old school.
Hines:
What motivates Luis Ramos to be the best?
Ramos:
My parents… Hector… My whole family has suffered a lot… My parents are my biggest motivation when I get into the ring… I want to buy them a big house… I don’t really care if I’m in a tiny apartment; I just want my parents to be happy… I want to take care of them…
Hines:
The amount of hard work, dedication, and conditioning boxers put into themselves, is like no sport I’ve ever seen. Describe for the boxing fans what it’s like for a “day in the life” as a boxer.
Ramos:
I think is boxing is one of the hardest sports because you’ve got to do the running, the training, the dieting, the sparring, and it takes a lot on your body… So there’s no partying or staying up late… It takes a lot of hard work and discipline… You’re constantly doing the same thing… it’s like a clock going round and round… You have to have the heart and the passion to do it, if not; I think boxing’s not the right place for anybody.
Hines:
So if you’re not willing to put in the hours upon hours of hard work boxing isn’t for you? (laughs, laughs)
Ramos:
That’s why my trainer says things like, “I work hard on lifting this burger and drinking this soda…” (laughs, laughs) We take boxing seriously, but Hector tries to make it fun…
Hines:
Well, I’m not going to take up anymore of your time, but Luis, I have certainly enjoyed the interview, and I look forward to talking with you again in the near future.
Ramos:
That’s cool. Thanks for having me.
*2/18/10
H.A.N.D.S. Interview: Carlos Molina
Carlos Molina 10-0-0 (6 KOs)
Hines:
First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time to talk to the H.A.N.D.S. Boxing Show. I know your focus on training comes first, so whenever you take the time out to speak with the media we definitely appreciate it.
Molina:
Not a problem. Thanks for having me.
Hines:
So tell me if I’ve got this right… You fight out of the Hall of Fame Espinoza Boxing Club… Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions… You’re 24 years old—a Scorpio like me… A lightweight on the fast track to the Top 10… A Champion in the making… A speedy orthodox [fighter]… You’re “repping” the USA by way of Mexico… & you’re 10-0-0 with 6 KO’s—a 60% knockout pct… How am I doing so far?
Molina:
You’re doing good… (laughs, laughs)
Hines:
(laughs, laughs) First question… When did you start boxing, and how did you get involved with the sport?
Molina:
I started boxing at the age of seven. My dad used to box back in Mexico… Back in his day… He started taking me to the gym and I fell in love with the sport right away… I haven’t stopped ever since.
Hines:
Do you have a specific moment or memory when you knew boxing was your calling?
Molina:
You know what? I did… I think it was back in 2000, I had seen one of my teammates-- Pachito Bojado… I saw him go through the Olympics and all that stuff… & it inspired me to try to accomplish that… Unfortunately I couldn’t, but deep in my heart, I’ve alwayswanted to become is a World Champion… God willing, in the near future, that will come true.
Hines:
I definitely think it will… You’re very focused; I think you have a very bright future.
Molina:
Thank you.
Hines:
How would you characterize your fighting style?
Molina:
I’d characterize it as, I guess, a “boxer-puncher” [style]… Whenever I need to box I’ll box… Or if the guy is going back, I’ll just try to put it on him.
Hines:
I know no one likes to compare themselves to any fighter, especially world champions in the making… But if you had to compare yourself to a specific fighter, is there anybody that you resemble or model yourself after?
Molina:
You know what? If anybody, I’d like to model myself after Sugar Shane Mosley… He’s someone I really idolize… He has tremendous speed, power, and movement… & he’s just someone I’ve always idolized as a little kid… If I could fight anything like him, then I’m good.
Hines:
Sugar Shane is a “beast”, so he’s definitely somebody to aspire to be like. You have a fight coming up on February 25th at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, tell us more about that date, who you’re fighting, and where we can see it.
Molina:
I’m fighting, like you said, on the 25th at Club Nokia in Downtown L.A…. I’m fighting a guy that has 11 pro fights… He has 5 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw… I don’t know much about his style, but I’ve been in the gym preparing myself for any style… We’re ready for this.
Hines:
Do you have a prediction for us?
Molina:
I don’t like to give any predictions; I just go in there and do my work… Whatever happens happens… I guarantee a victory.
Hines:
I can respect that. I guarantee your opponent is going to learn a whole lot about Mr. Molina for sure. (laughs, laughs)…
Molina:
Oh yeah…
Hines:
I want to flip the page a little… I know a lot of people generally have the standard boxing questions, but the fans want to know a little bit more about who Carlos Molina is… So outside of the sport of boxing, what sports do you watch?
Molina:
I’m a sports fanatic… I watch practically every sport there is… From baseball, football, basketball… I love everything…
Hines:
Do you have any favorite athletes? Or a favorite football player, basketball player, or baseball?
Molina:
I’ve got to say my team… The Dallas Cowboys…
Hines:
Aww man! Aww man! CARLOS! (laughs, laughs)
Molina:
I don’t want to lose any fans but… (laughs, laughs)
Hines:
Carlos we’re going to have sit down and talk about this because your boy is a Washington Redskins fan…
Molina:
Awww man… (laughs, laughs)
Hines:
You know what’s funny? Some of my best friends and family members are Cowboys fans so that won’t stop me from being aCarlos Molina fan… Next season when we play you guys, I’m going to put out a call to you and we’re going to talk about that game next year… Hopefully Shanahan can get the Redskins together…
Molina:
O.K., that’s cool…
Hines:
The fans also want to know if you have a favorite movie?
Molina:
You know what, it’s a recent one now… Law Abiding Citizen, I love that movie… That movie’s crazy…
Hines:
O.K. I’m going to check that out. Do you have a favorite musician?
Molina:
I love all kinds of music, but I’d have to say I have to go down to my roots… & my favorite musician has to be Vicente Fernandez… That’s like my soul music right there.
Hines:
That’s very cool… His music resonates through your soul, it’s in your blood… Well brother, I’m not going to take up too much more of your time, but thank you for coming on the H.A.N.D.S. Boxing Show and good luck with your fight on February 25th. I definitely see you as a World Champion in the near future.
Molina:
Thank you, I appreciate it. Thanks for having me.
*2/18/10
First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time to talk to the H.A.N.D.S. Boxing Show. I know your focus on training comes first, so whenever you take the time out to speak with the media we definitely appreciate it.
Molina:
Not a problem. Thanks for having me.
Hines:
So tell me if I’ve got this right… You fight out of the Hall of Fame Espinoza Boxing Club… Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions… You’re 24 years old—a Scorpio like me… A lightweight on the fast track to the Top 10… A Champion in the making… A speedy orthodox [fighter]… You’re “repping” the USA by way of Mexico… & you’re 10-0-0 with 6 KO’s—a 60% knockout pct… How am I doing so far?
Molina:
You’re doing good… (laughs, laughs)
Hines:
(laughs, laughs) First question… When did you start boxing, and how did you get involved with the sport?
Molina:
I started boxing at the age of seven. My dad used to box back in Mexico… Back in his day… He started taking me to the gym and I fell in love with the sport right away… I haven’t stopped ever since.
Hines:
Do you have a specific moment or memory when you knew boxing was your calling?
Molina:
You know what? I did… I think it was back in 2000, I had seen one of my teammates-- Pachito Bojado… I saw him go through the Olympics and all that stuff… & it inspired me to try to accomplish that… Unfortunately I couldn’t, but deep in my heart, I’ve alwayswanted to become is a World Champion… God willing, in the near future, that will come true.
Hines:
I definitely think it will… You’re very focused; I think you have a very bright future.
Molina:
Thank you.
Hines:
How would you characterize your fighting style?
Molina:
I’d characterize it as, I guess, a “boxer-puncher” [style]… Whenever I need to box I’ll box… Or if the guy is going back, I’ll just try to put it on him.
Hines:
I know no one likes to compare themselves to any fighter, especially world champions in the making… But if you had to compare yourself to a specific fighter, is there anybody that you resemble or model yourself after?
Molina:
You know what? If anybody, I’d like to model myself after Sugar Shane Mosley… He’s someone I really idolize… He has tremendous speed, power, and movement… & he’s just someone I’ve always idolized as a little kid… If I could fight anything like him, then I’m good.
Hines:
Sugar Shane is a “beast”, so he’s definitely somebody to aspire to be like. You have a fight coming up on February 25th at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, tell us more about that date, who you’re fighting, and where we can see it.
Molina:
I’m fighting, like you said, on the 25th at Club Nokia in Downtown L.A…. I’m fighting a guy that has 11 pro fights… He has 5 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw… I don’t know much about his style, but I’ve been in the gym preparing myself for any style… We’re ready for this.
Hines:
Do you have a prediction for us?
Molina:
I don’t like to give any predictions; I just go in there and do my work… Whatever happens happens… I guarantee a victory.
Hines:
I can respect that. I guarantee your opponent is going to learn a whole lot about Mr. Molina for sure. (laughs, laughs)…
Molina:
Oh yeah…
Hines:
I want to flip the page a little… I know a lot of people generally have the standard boxing questions, but the fans want to know a little bit more about who Carlos Molina is… So outside of the sport of boxing, what sports do you watch?
Molina:
I’m a sports fanatic… I watch practically every sport there is… From baseball, football, basketball… I love everything…
Hines:
Do you have any favorite athletes? Or a favorite football player, basketball player, or baseball?
Molina:
I’ve got to say my team… The Dallas Cowboys…
Hines:
Aww man! Aww man! CARLOS! (laughs, laughs)
Molina:
I don’t want to lose any fans but… (laughs, laughs)
Hines:
Carlos we’re going to have sit down and talk about this because your boy is a Washington Redskins fan…
Molina:
Awww man… (laughs, laughs)
Hines:
You know what’s funny? Some of my best friends and family members are Cowboys fans so that won’t stop me from being aCarlos Molina fan… Next season when we play you guys, I’m going to put out a call to you and we’re going to talk about that game next year… Hopefully Shanahan can get the Redskins together…
Molina:
O.K., that’s cool…
Hines:
The fans also want to know if you have a favorite movie?
Molina:
You know what, it’s a recent one now… Law Abiding Citizen, I love that movie… That movie’s crazy…
Hines:
O.K. I’m going to check that out. Do you have a favorite musician?
Molina:
I love all kinds of music, but I’d have to say I have to go down to my roots… & my favorite musician has to be Vicente Fernandez… That’s like my soul music right there.
Hines:
That’s very cool… His music resonates through your soul, it’s in your blood… Well brother, I’m not going to take up too much more of your time, but thank you for coming on the H.A.N.D.S. Boxing Show and good luck with your fight on February 25th. I definitely see you as a World Champion in the near future.
Molina:
Thank you, I appreciate it. Thanks for having me.
*2/18/10
