Jose Sulaiman, World Boxing Council President and International Boxing Commentator, Colonel Bob Sheridan, present Award to Ramos for his efforts to help retired boxers.
December 10, 2002, Simi Valley, CA

On Tuesday, December 3, 2002, at the World Boxing Council (WBC) 40th Annual Convention in Tokyo, Japan, the Founder and President of the Retired Boxers Foundation, Alex “The Bronx Bomber” Ramos, was presented an award for his efforts to help retired fighters through the organization he founded, the Retired Boxers Foundation. At the Opening Gala Dinner at the Tenku Hall, Tokyo Dome Hotel, Colonel Bob Sheridan introduced Ramos to the WBC Convention attendees, which included several current and past World Champions, including Oscar DeLaHoya, Eric Lucas, Erik Morales, Jorge Arce, Masamaori Tokuyama (Super Flyweight Champion from Osaka, Japan), Veeraphol Nakhonluang (Bantamweight Champion from Thailand), and past world champion Jeff Fenech from Australia. In addition to the Champions, the audience also included several prominent WBC executives and board members, as well as referees Bruce McTavish, Frank Cappuccino, Tony Castellano and Jay Nady as well as other boxing dignitaries from over thirty countries. Colonel Bob Sheridan introduced Ramos as a friend and a humanitarian who, today, is putting his own needs behind those of retired professional boxers who need a hand-up. Joining Col. Sheridan at the podium, was WBC President, Jose Sulaiman, who presented Ramos with a large silver tray engraved with the words, “In Honor To Alex Ramos, Retired Boxers Foundation, World Boxing Council 2002” surrounding a 3 dimensional golden WBC logo.

Sheridan told the story of Alex Ramos’s glorious amateur career where he won four New York Golden Gloves, through his professional career as a middleweight, fighting under the management of Shelly Finkel and his presence in boxing as one of NBC’s “Tomorrow’s Champions.” He told the audience about Alex’s struggle with alcohol, drugs and women, and his descent into what Alex himself calls “the darkness.” Sheridan focused more on Alex and the transition from his boxing career, to his dedication of today, to the Retired Boxers Foundation—“Fighters Helping Fighters.” Sheridan said, “Alex was a contender during his career, winning the 1984 USBA Middleweight Championship and the 1986 California Middleweight Championship and a lot of us watched his career. None of us were there when he was homeless, living on the streets. In fact, most of us didn’t know what happened to Alex Ramos.” Sheridan continued, “Alex’s story is unbelievable. He picked himself up, got sober and dedicated his life to helping other fighters who need a hand up. He started the Retired Boxers Foundation and even though Alex has virtually nothing himself, he uses every penny the Foundation gets to help other fighters. Now he’s rubbing shoulders with all of the right people, including friends of the President of the United States. “ Ramos accepted the award from Jose Sulaiman and Col. Sheridan, and extended his heartfelt thanks to all of the people who supported him in his journey back “from the darkness.” He also complimented Sulaiman and the WBC for their generosity in helping fighters and for their efforts to make boxing safer. He said, “You don’t hear the stories about the good things the WBC does for fighters. In fact, as big as this convention is, I am a shocked that all of the media that ask for credentials for the fights, are not hear to cover this international boxing event. “ He said he wanted to make a point that the WBC conducts training for ringside physicians, cut men, referees and all of the boxing officials with 100% of their efforts to make the sport safer as well as insuring that the sport is officiated by well trained and respected officials. Ramos also expressed his respect for Sulaiman and the WBC for “walking the talk” just like the Retired Boxers Foundation, to do everything possible for the athletes, whether they are in the ring or retired.

The Retired Boxers Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation started by 1984 USBA Middleweight Champion, Alex “The Bronx Bomber” Ramos in 1995 to help fighters in need, is leading a campaign called “Fighters Helping Fighters” to inspire other fighters to help. Ramos started the Retired Boxers Foundation because of what happens to professional boxers once their careers are over. Because boxing is the only sport that does not provide adequate pensions to fighters once they retire, too many of them suffer in the transition from their glorious days in the ring to a dignified retirement.

For more information on the Retired Boxers Foundation, “Fighters Helping Fighters” program, call Alex Ramos at (805) 583-5890 or visit their website at www.retiredboxers.org. The Fighters Helping Fighters campaign has assisted over 100 retired professional boxers and their families, including arranging surgery, tax consultation to clear up problems with the IRS, legal services, rehabilitation services, Dignity Bags for homeless fighters and fighters in convalescent homes as well as financial assistance for the families. Ramos takes between 15 and 20 calls a day from fighters and their families from all over the world. He, along with RBF Executive Director, Jacquie Richardson, make referrals and help fighters apply for medical assistance, social security disability, rehabilitation services and legal assistance. They also assist organizations interested in hiring retired fighters for appearances and for speaking engagements. Just recently, they began a program to help fighters recover their own cherished memorabilia that has been lost or stolen. One fighter got his Golden Gloves back. Another got his championship belt returned by an old girlfriend’s mother. Just today, the RBF received an email from someone regarding former Heavyweight Champion, Michael Bentt that said: “Hello, I have come across many personal items of Michael Bentt's. There are a lot of items that must have sentimental value for Michael. Many of his boxing related memorabilia. These are personal one of a kind items that I'm sure Michael would want back. Please have him contact me so I can let him know what I have. I live in the Poconos near Michaels old home. I'm sure Michael would want these back. Thanks, Jim.”