Maurice " Mighty Mo" Hooker versus Jose Ramirez Preview

The city of Arlington and College Park Center, will play host to a scintillating Champion vs Champion/Unification blockbuster bout next Saturday, July 27th! WBO Super Lightweight Champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker and WBC ruler Jose Ramirez put their respective titles on the line! Barring a draw, the landscape around the 140 division will be much more defined!

Both fighters are ready!

“This fight will define my career,” Hooker stated early in the promotion “I will either be the star at 140 lbs or I’ll have to start over again and try to build my name back up. I’m pumped up for this fight. I can fight at home and hopefully win some new fans at home as they can see me fight in person.

Jose Ramirez completely understands what is at stake.

“When I became a world champion, my goal was to become the undisputed champion,” stated 26 year old Ramirez in a recent press conference “This is the type of fight that every champion should step up to and give this type of fight to the fans. They deserve it. This is the type of fight that is going to motivate people to be better. This is a fight that is going to make me better and take my career to a new level.”

Both undefeated champions are determined to please fans. But just who has the edge going in? Let’s take a comprehensive breakdown of each fighter.

WBO Champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker

From: Oakcliff, Dallas, TX

Record: 25-0-3 17 KO’s Height: 5’11’’

Reach: 76.5” Stance: Orthodox

Strengths

Battle tested: Mighty Mo is coming off 3 straight bouts fighting in enemy territory. His title clinching win vs Turbo Flannigan in the UK, followed by his 2 belt defenses. In each fight Mo had to dig deep! Like coming off the canvas in his first defense vs Alex Saucedo. He’s proven to have the mental fortitude of a champion by winning all 3!

Height/Reach: Mighty Mo will have a slight height advantage over Ramirez, but the significant difference is in the reach department. Mighty Mo owns an almost 5 inch reach advantage (more depending on who you ask). This advantage bodes well for any strategic plans to keep Ramirez at bay with a jab.

Very Active Jab: Speaking of his jab, it’s his most active punch. Mo throws it in all forms and speed relatively quick. Be it a fast feeler jab, a crisp power jab or a setup jab. By throwing different variations, opponents are always weary on attacking. Is Mo setting up a right cross or is he jabbing the nose with authority? The chess game will be fun to watch!

Weakness

Weight Issues: In his last match against Brooklyns Mikkel LesPierre, Mighty Mo struggled mightily, no pun intended, to reach the 140-pound limit. Barely beating out the 2-hour clock allowed in re-weighs after failing initially. Chris Mannix from DAZN spoke at length about the firsthand experience he witnessed while Mo entered the ring. He said “Mo was the most weight drained he’s seen a fighter. He needed help getting out of his chair after I interviewed him and was walking with two of his team members holding him upright each step of the way.” Forget boxing, coming in weak, or weight drained, vs a champion of Jose Ramirez ilk is extremely dangerous health wise. Hopefully his team is keeping a keen eye on the situation.

Over Anxious at home: Mighty Mo has been quoted saying he’s “feeling the pressure to perform” in front of his hometown fans. Considering he’ll make his champion introduction at home come fight night, Mo will be looking to make a statement. But pressuring the action for the aesthetic viewing pleasure of fans is reckless. Should the fans get restless, it’s imperative for Mo to remain calm and stick to his corners strategy!

WBC Champion Jose Ramirez

From: Avenal, California

Record: 24-0 16 KO’s Height: 5’10’’

Reach: 72” Stance: Orthodox

Strengths

Pressure Fighter: There are no feeling out rounds for Jose. His hands go as soon as the bell rings. The typical “Mexican Style” that is so revered by fans. Constant pressure while taking risks to land heavy leather!

Powerful Left Hooks: It was a left hook to Mike Reeds temple that ultimately was his undoing. After Reed rose from a knockdown, guess which punch Jose immediately threw? Two sharp body head left hook combos! His bread and butter punch he relies on.

Inside Fighter: Jose’s best work comes fighting “in a phone-booth” or on the inside. He’s not a short fighter standing at 5’10’’. But he has the ability to compact himself and throw those short powerful hooks. It will be a long night for Mighty Mo if he fails keeping Jose at bay with that long reach.

Humanitarian: Ramirez fights for titles inside the ring, but outside of it, the former 2012 Olympian passionately advocates for the California Latino Water Coalition. He fights to bring water, a crucial source for farmers, in his native region. While more of a characteristic trait than boxing ability, I felt the need to mention this. In a sport swimming with sharks, con-men and outright liars, it’s refreshing to see positive influences. Jose Ramirez is good people!

Weaknesses

Defense: By no means am I implying porous defense from the WBC Champ. He has solid head movement accompanied with busy footwork. But by being such an aggressive fighter he leaves himself open for counters. Look for Mighty Mo to try and time Jose pressuring in.

Road Fighter: Jose has become an established star in his hometown area. Consistently filling out 13 thousand capacity arena seats. Credit must be given to any champ willing to place his belt in foreign territory. But while admirable, the push a home crowd can give their fighters is the morale boost needed in mid to late rounds!

The Pick: We love Mighty Mo! We have personally interviewed him and I myself had the privilege of speaking with him on the record prior to his bout with Turbo Flannigan. He’s from my city and I rep hard for all my local teams! So, I will be rooting for Mighty Mo. But who I root for and who I think will win are entirely two different subjects. Ramirez last 4 opponents were a combined 78-2 heading into fight night. While possessing many tools in his arsenal Jose also holds claim to have been trained by Freddie Roach and Robert Garcia. Both extremely accomplished with mountains of mental information.

The pick is Jose Ramirez will avenge the loss Mighty Mo handed his Top Rank Stablemate Alex Saucedo. Ramirez by SD in an exciting fight!

Article written by:

Manuel “Hopper” Dominguez

@ManuelDStayTru