Hooker / Ramirez Showdown proves that their is more to Preparing a Boxer then Physical Training: 

Hooker- how can you help but not feel bad for this young man who went into the Ramirez fight in his hometown in tip-Top shape – ready for Stardom.

Hooker failed himself, and his entire team failed Hooker.  Understand, when you have an entire team surrounding you, when you are paying a ton of guys to help you,  your team owes you a sit down  -A Sit down to talk about the crowd, talk about the hometown fight, the team needs to use their  experience – they have to explain the situation to Hooker.

Seems that Hooker doesn’t have one smart/ experienced member to help him. Hooker went into the fight more concerned with the crowd (and showing of how good he was) then with Jose Ramirez. He paid the price of getting Knocked Out.

Here is how I called the fight live from Dallas:

Round 1.

Both champions come into the fight in tip-top shape and determined to win. Hooker doing a terrific job landing punches, but is being too aggressive and leaving himself wide open at times. Referee called a trip a Knockdown by accident.

Round 2.

Ramirez keeping Hooker on the ropes, landing well and dominating the round.

Round 3.

Ramirez is moving very well, side to side, his conditioning is amazing. Unbelievable round – Wow. Both guys landing big but Hooker landing the harder shots. They both keep fighting way after the bell.

Round 4.

Ramirez having another great round. Hooker seems very concerned with looking good in front of the Dallas crowd. He trained hard and is confident. 3 rounds to 1 Ramirez.

Round 5.

What A Round!! Ramirez smothering Hooker now and dominating the round. Ramirez is like a lion in the ring. Hooker has enough and creates some space in the final minute and gets some good shots in on Ramirez.

Round 6.

Ramirez is amazing, trainers always tell boxers to let their hands go, Ramirez has been letting his hands go from the start of the fight. Ramirez closing the distance again and lands a huge left that hurts Hooker. Hooker is pinned against the ropes and Ramirez is landing clean. In a shocking turn of events, the fight is stopped and we have a star born in Texas.

It was a perfect stoppage. Hooker gets to stay healthy and decide his future after getting stopped by TKO in the 6th round.

Ramirez figures out the Hooker Puzzle by closing the distance and becomes the WBC and WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion.

Congratulations Jose Ramirez

Photo Courtesy of Ed Mulholland/ Matchroom Boxing