Jose Luis Ramirez record is very similar to Chavez's numerically 102-9 & 107-6 I don't really know much about Ramirez since I didn't look into his career, but what are his best victories and how do they stack up against Chavez's record?
I don't know what you mean by padded but Ramirez fought Olivares, Arguello (and probably won that fight), Mancini,.Camacho, Rosario, Chavez, and Whitaker. He was a solid professional for quite some time.
JLR was never on Chavez' level as a fighter.His record is stacked with top names of the era though and he was a solid contender for years. I'd compare him more to an 80s Jose Luis Castillo, but with a bigger punch.
I like the comparison. Both called by three names, both won the lightweight title more than once. I guess that makes the Arguello fight comparable to the first Mayweather fight fifer Castillo.
I'm glad to see people recall what a close and difficult fight Ramirez gave Arguello. It's often overlooked that JLR was thought unlucky to lose that fight at the time, and giving Alexis such hell is arguably the shining moment of his career. Many thought Ramirez deserved the win in his first fight with Rosario, so it just goes to show that most top fighters usually benefit and suffer from bad judging in equal measure. I've heard some say that Ramirez basically threw the Mancini fight. Although this seems crazy, it does account for how a fighter as good as Ramirez looked so awful against a guy like Ray, who he should have beaten. At the very least it does appear that JLR put for forth VERY minimal effort.
Ramirez fought far better against Arguello, and was robbed IMO. I thought Floyd beat Castillo close but clear, don't really see the fuss over that one. You hit the nail on the head, though I suppose that Chavez would've beaten Ramirez over 10 as well. Chavez had the better career and consistency. Ramirez was still a ****ing good fighter.
Honestly Chavez probably could've stopped Ramirez fairly easily in that fight. He had him at one point, round four or five, all but out on his feet but let up. Couldn't miss with that right.