Boxing Tournament to Help the Fight Against Drug Abuse

Armundo (Mando) Ramos, a former world lightweight champion and the founder of Boxing Against Alcohol and Drugs, has announced plans for a boxing tournament for Valley youths.

The tournament will be held Sept. 24 at San Fernando Park, beginning at noon. Ramos and others will lecture about the effects of drug and alcohol use by athletes, according to Javier Flores, a spokesman for Northeast Valley Health Corp., a nonprofit organization based in Pacoima that is helping to coordinate the project.

There is no admission charge to the tournament and lectures.

Ramos captured the world lightweight crown in 1969, knocking out champion Carlos Cruz in the 11th round of a fight in Los Angeles. He lost the title a year later when he was knocked out by Ismael Laguna. Ramos retired from boxing in 1971 with a record of 31-5.