Jesus Ramos faces biggest test in march toward title shot

Jesus Ramos has a specific goal: Become a world champion at the age of 21.

That means the 20-year-old junior welterweight prospect would have to win a major belt before March 7, 2023, when he turns 22. That gives him almost two years to realize his dream, which is a reasonable timetable given his early success.

Ramos (15-0, 14 KOs) has blown out his opponents, the only exception being a shutout decision in a four-round fight in 2019. And nothing changed when he moved into 8- and 10-rounders against better opposition.

Now comes his biggest step yet: He faces veteran Javier Molina (22-3, 9 KOs) on the Andy Ruiz Jr.-Chris Arreola pay-per-view card Saturday in Carson, Calif.

Ramos recognizes the threat posed by the former U.S. Olympian, who is coming off a unanimous-decision loss against Jose Pedraza in September but has a strong pedigree and experience.

At the same time, you’ll have to forgive Ramos if he isn’t fazed by Molina or the moment. He spars with the likes of training partner Terence Crawford. Molina certainly doesn’t scare him.

“On paper, yes, compared to my other fights, this is a step up,” Ramos told Boxing Junkie. “But I feel like I’ve seen more than Javier Molina in sparring sessions and in camp. I’ve shared the ring with Terence Crawford and Maurice Hooker.

“I’ve seen better opposition than Molina. But on paper, definitely, this is a step up.”

Ramos’ father/trainer Jesus Sr. has always tested his son and younger brother Abel Ramos against championship-level opposition in the gym.

The youngest Ramos said he began sparring with contenders when he was a 15-year-old amateur, including Uncle Abel. And as he got older his sparring partners become more and more familiar, including Crawford, Hooker, Robert Brandt, Steven Nelson and Jamel Herring.

That explains why he’s not overly concerned with Molina. And it might also indicate why Ramos is poised beyond his years in the ring.

“I feel that has developed over time,” he said. “I think being in camp with pro boxers since I was 15, learning from them, taking advice, trying to do better each time out. I think all that has helped me grow up a lot faster.

“I feel comfortable in there at all times.”

Of course, a part of maturity is patience. Ramos recognizes that many young athletes become overeager to make their marks, a state of mind he consciously avoids.

Yes, he wants to become a champion before he turns 22. But, again, that gives him plenty of time to continue his development. He could have half a dozen or more fights before he gets a shot at world title.

And that’s fine with him. He wants to say he deserves the opportunity when it comes.

“I’ve been dedicated to my craft,” he said. “I’ve been trying to impress each time out. And I know if I keep impressing people, I’ll earn a shot at a title. That’s what I want. I want to earn my title shot. I don’t want it given to me.”