Ramos had an amateur record of 143-15 (132 KOs). Ramos won four New York Golden Gloves Championships. Ramos won the 1977 147 lb Sub-Novice Championship, defeating Julian Kelly in the finals; the 1978 160 lb Open Championship over Norberto Sabater; the 1979 160 lb Open Championship over Noel Tucker and the 1980 156 lb Open Championship over Ramon Nieto. Ramos trained at the Jerome Boxing Club in the Bronx, New York, in 1977 and 1978. In 1979 and 1980 Ramos trained at the Bronxchester Boys Club in the Bronx, New York.