In a thirteenth victory over the past thirteen months, bantamweight Prince Patel continued his rise through the ranks this week.
The WBO-rated southpaw moved to 18-0-1 with a decisive fourth-round knockout of veteran Ronald Ramos.
The 26-year-old had too much in his locker for the one-time WBO title challenger. Ramos went down in the fourth round of a scheduled twelve in Budapest for a thirteenth Patel stoppage.
Ramos, 42, dropped to 41-18-4 with the reverse and has a decision to make regarding his future.
Patel claimed a place in the WBO top ten for the organization’s December list. As a result, Patel stands on the verge of competing for a recognized strap.
Speaking to WBN on his latest win, Patel refused to look too far ahead as he stays active with his progression.
“It was good to have my first twelve-round fight against a veteran who has competed for a world title,” Patel exclusively told World Boxing News.
“Let’s not forget, Ramos has also fought Olympians. Plus, fighters who have competed at a very high level.
“I was able to try new things I was working on in the gym with big Barry (Smith). Winning inside four rounds let me know where I am currently at.
“Even though it was a good win, I’m not getting carried away. I know there are stiffer tests out there which I will face soon.
“I would also like to wish Ronald good luck with whatever he does now. He was a gentleman before and after the contest. Also, he’s a friend of mine now,” he added.
WBO
Sitting proudly at fifth in the WBO rankings, Patel is placed handily. He’s behind the likes of Duke Micah of Ghana, Ricardo Espinoza Franco of Mexico, Japan’s Hiroaki Teshigawara, and ex-world title-holder Joseph Agbeko, also of Ghana.
All five are jockeying for the chance to take on the current champion once the World Boxing Super Series is completed later this year.
Zolani Tete, who owns the strap, takes on WBA ruler Nonito Donaire in the semi-finals later this spring.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
