Future World Champion, Frankie Randall, suffers somewhat of an upset against Mexican Lightweight Champion, Primo Ramos in 1987 for the vacant NABF Lightweight title. More info below...
Both men had quite different professional paths. Ramos had turned pro in 1981 and fought mainly in the States for the first couple years before heading to Mexico for a few years and eventually winning the Mexican Lightweight title in 1986. Ramos would return to the States periodically to compete but he never had much luck, losing many a close fought battle by decision. Regardless, Ramos had built a reputation as being tough and durable with a decent punch when he could land them, and although he was slightly one dimensional he would always fight right to the bell making every fight exciting. He entered the fight with Randall holding a 31-5 record having only been stopped once, and that was back in 1982 before Randall had even turned pro.
Randall turned pro in 1983 after a stellar amateur career topped off by winning a silver medal at the 1980 Olympics. Randall went undefeated in his first 23 fights winning 19 via KO. Although heavy handed, Randall didn't necessarily have instant knockout power and his record was slightly over inflated with no name opponents but he had quick feet and fast hands, often outclassing his opponents with his flash footwork and accurate punching. His first loss came in 1985 against, Edwin Rosario, by decision and then a couple fights later drew with, Freddie Pendleton, in 1986, during a USBA Lightweight title fight. Randall bounced back with 5 good wins after the draw with Pendleton to keep himself as a top contender and entered the fight with Randall holding a 31-1-1 record. He was also the favourite to win...
In the second round Ramos started taking the fight to Randall who was trying to circle away. Unfortunately Randall backed himself against the ropes and Ramos pounced, first with a right hand that just missed the mark but that was followed by a left that landed clean on the jaw knocking Randall free of senses and counted out. This win was arguably the biggest of Ramos' career, unfortunately, it didn't lead to any bigger or better fight opportunities (other than a couple NABF title defences). Ramos fought in France for a year over 1989/1990 and then returned to Mexico at the end of his career, managing to win the Mexican Welterweight title before retiring in 1993 with a 42-12-1 record.
8 янв 2020