WBC Champion and Central Valley Native Jose Ramirez Donates Signed Championship Belt For Auction

World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight Champion – and Avenal native – Jose Ramirez will auction off a signed WBC championship belt to raise funds for Valley Children’s Hospital. The belt is a one-of-a-kind replication of the exact same belt he won March 17, 2018, at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, a true 1:1 item and a piece of Central Valley history. The belt is signed by Ramirez, famed boxing promoter Don King, Top Rank CEO and boxing legend Bob Arum, and Ramirez’s championship fight opponent, Amir Imam.

On behalf of Jose Ramirez, the Arroyo Family, Rick Mirigian, Top Rank, Inc., Manuel Cunha, and the WBC, this belt will be auctioned off, and all proceeds will be donated to Valley Children's Hospital’s patient services fund to benefit families currently undergoing treatment.

“As someone who was raised right here in Central California, I know the impact Valley Children’s Hospital makes every day for kids growing up here,” Ramirez said. “Kids get the very best care our region has to offer, regardless of their ability to pay. I’m glad to be able to help families in their time of need.”

"Jose Ramirez is beloved in the Central Valley for good reason,” says Bob Arum, founder and CEO of Top Rank, one of the most prestigious professional boxing promotion firms in the world. “Not only is he a great champion, but he is devoted to many humanitarian causes in his community. He is a model citizen, and I am proud of everything he has accomplished, both inside and outside the ring."

"I lived at Valley Children's the first eight years of my life,” said Mirigian, a Fresno native and one of the nation’s leading boxing promoters. “It's part of me and who I am. This has been an honor to plan and promote this special event with the Arroyo family and attach it to a historic night July 7 at the Save Mart Center."

“Jose is a world-class athlete and a true hero in our community,” said Robert Saroyan, president of Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation. “His generosity will provide hope to many patients and their families. We are proud of what a native son of the Central Valley has accomplished and are truly grateful to partner with Mr. Ramirez on this exciting charitable venture.”

To place a bid on this one-of-a-kind item, please call Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation at (559) 353-7100. New bids will be accepted in $500 increments. The highest bid as of Friday, July 6 at 3 p.m. PST will be the winner.

Jose Ramirez will make the first defense of his WBC super lightweight title against former amateur standout and longtime contender Danny O’Connor on Saturday, July 7, at the Save Mart Center in Fresno. Ramirez vs. O’Connor will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 7:30 p.m. PST.

The winner of the belt auction will be announced that night in the ring and will be personally awarded the belt. Following the fight, the winner will meet Ramirez and Arum. The winner will also receive four suite tickets to the fight.

The belt will be displayed at the Fresno County Historical Museum at the Fresno Fairgrounds from Monday, June 18 to Friday, July 6, providing a chance for the public to see the belt firsthand.

“It is an honor to work with Jose Ramirez and his management team to assist with this effort to raise funds for Valley Children’s Hospital, which is a true treasure of the region serving our children; the hospital holds a special place in our hearts,” said John C. Alkire, CEO, The Big Fresno Fair. “We look forward to displaying the belt in our Fresno County Historical Museum for the public to view and it is our wish that the new owners of Jose’s belt will be so gracious as to share it with the community by loaning it to be part of the new boxing exhibit that will debut at the 2018 Big Fresno Fair in October. Boxing has a long history in the Valley and we look forward to telling its story – a big part of which is Jose Ramirez and his incredible accomplishments.”