By Doug D. Sims
Photos by Dillon D. Sims
Ramon’s journey into the boxing world didn’t begin under the bright lights of a professional ring—it started in a church basement and in the backyards of Muskegon. As a kid, he was drawn into the sport by the late Willie L. Burrell, affectionately known as “Suffering Bishop Willie,” who kept young Ramon active and disciplined through programs at Mission for Area People (MAP). Though his mother didn’t allow him to officially box, Ramon would sneak into the church gym to spar and learn, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would become his life’s mission.
Before Ramon even knew about formal matches or titles, he was learning footwork and form in the yard with a friend, Kenneth Jameson. When he finally started competing as a teenager, the only format he knew was Golden Gloves. He quickly rose through the ranks, displaying natural talent and heart, but his momentum was halted by a dislocated shoulder. Though he recovered and returned to the ring, his shoulder was never quite the same. Despite this, Ramon continued fighting, earning the title of state runner-up twice, and most importantly, discovering his love for coaching.
One of his most memorable fights was against Brian Blakely, a seasoned opponent from Grand Rapids. With just a few fights under his belt, Ramon went toe-to-toe with a 30-fight veteran in a back-and-forth war for the West Michigan Championship. Though Ramon lost, the battle forged a lasting friendship between the two warriors.
“Keep your hands up,” Ramon says with a laugh, reflecting on the moment that stuck with him most. “Because when you’re hitting someone, someone’s going to hit you back.”
Even while boxing, Ramon found himself drawn to coaching. By the early ’90s, he was already cornering fighters and helping train others. Encouraged by boxing legend Kenny Lane, who helped him secure his coaching license, Ramon shifted into the mentor role with natural ease.
Today, his gym—TCB Boxing, located at 2500 Jefferson Street in Muskegon—stands for more than just training. It’s a movement.
TCB means:
- Take Care of Business
- Taking the Community Back, One Step, One Punch at a Time
- Taking Care of Boxing
The gym is now a sanctuary for youth and a breeding ground for champions. Ramon is currently working with several promising fighters, including Logan Goodman, a new talent from downtown Muskegon, and My’khi Jackson, a 15-year-old phenom who dropped from 203 pounds to 143 and hasn’t missed a day in eight months. “He lives, eats, and sleeps boxing,” Ramon says proudly. “He’s going to be champion of the world.”
More than anything, Ramon preaches conditioning and discipline. “Stay in shape,” he says. “I had all the God-given talent in the world, but my shoulders kept me from reaching my full potential. These kids have healthy arms and legs—no excuses. Work.”
To young dreamers in small towns like Muskegon, Ramon’s advice is simple but powerful: “Don’t let go of your goals. Storms will come, but if you keep doing right, God will see you through.”
Who’s your favorite boxer of all time?
Thomas Hitman Hearns, Sugar Ray Robinson, Roy Jones Jr
Who do you think is the smartest boxer?
Floyd Mayweather
Who hit you the hardest in the ring?
Brian Blakely.
What’s your go-to hype song before entering the ring?
Anything by 2Pac
What’s tougher: training camp or the fight itself?
Training camp.
If you weren’t boxing, what sport would you be in? Football or track?
Football.
If you could fight anyone past or present, who would it be?
Mike Tyson
What’s the most important item in your gym bag?
Hand wraps.
What gives you more adrenaline today: coaching or fighting?
Coaching.
Describe your coaching style in one word.
TCB – Take Care of Business.
What advice do you give to a brand new boxer who’s never stepped in the ring?
“Boxing is about stamina. If you run out of gas, the other guy will keep whooping on you. Don’t gas out in 30 seconds—train like your life depends on it.”
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