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Monday 29 July 2019

Big Philly

Jose Ramirez, right, lands a
punch on Maurice Hooker in
the second round of a box-
ing match, Saturday, July 27,
2019, in Arlington, Texas.
Associated Press
WBC's

Ramirez

gets TKO in

super light-

weight

unification

bout

By STEPHEN HAWKINS
AP Sports Writer
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP)
— WBC champion Jose
Ramirez saw an opening
and quickly ended the
world super lightweight uni-
fication bout against WBO
champ Maurice Hooker.
Ramirez delivered a series
of brutal punches, pinning
hometown favorite against
the ropes in the sixth round
before referee Mark Nelson
stepped in and stopped
the scheduled 12-round
bout.
"He didn't know how hard
I hit until the moment
came," Ramirez said.
Two lefts to the head
knocked Hooker into the
ropes. The WBC champion
kept punching until Nelson
ended the fight. Hooker
said he lost his focus for just
a split second.
"It was a good stoppage.
I was hurt," Hooker said. "I
will be back. This isn't the
end for me." Realmuto's grand slam helps Phillies
It was the third title defense
for Ramirez, the 2012 Olym-
pian who improved to top Braves, avoid sweep
25-0 as a pro with his 17th
knockout. His first two title
defenses came at home in Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola throws a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves,
California. Sunday, July 28, 2019, in Philadelphia.
Continued on Next Page Associated Press
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