Top Rank signs U.S. Olympian Jose Ramirez to pro deal, debuts December 8 on Pacquiao-Marquez bill

Top Rank has signed Team USA lightweight Jose Ramirez to a professional contract, making him the first member of Team USA to officially go pro but not sign with Al Haymon. Several of Haymon's new clients make their pro debuts tonight on ShoBox.

Ramirez will make his pro debut on the Pacquiao-Marquez IV undercard on December 8. Ramirez also had talks with Golden Boy Promotions, but ultimately wound up with Bob Arum's rival company.

Ramirez lost in the round of 16 in London, falling short against Fazliddin Gaibnazarov of Uzbekistan, 15-11. He gave a top effort, particularly in the third round, but struggled through the first two against a guy who was simply a better amateur fighter. But he looked like a real pro prospect in the making, and now he's made the expected move.

Top Rank has also recently signed Puerto Rico's Felix Verdejo and Mexico's Oscar Valdez, who turned pro on November 3 with a win in Mexico.