The boxing world witnessed a thrilling encounter on Saturday night as Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez claimed a hard-fought victory over Chris Billam-Smith in a unification match for the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles. Held on Latino Night at The Venue in Riyadh, this bout highlighted both the grit of Ramirez and the methodical strategies employed by Billam-Smith, whose valiant effort fell short against a seemingly superior opponent.
Despite showing signs of wear around his midsection, Ramirez’s performance was impressive. He not only retained his WBA title but also added the WBO belt to his collection, improving his record to 47 wins with just one loss and 30 knockouts. His tactical approach involved a blend of superior agility and punch volume, aspects that proved vital as the bout progressed. The final scorecards reflected a unanimous decision in favor of Ramirez, with judges scoring the fight 116-112, 116-112, and a slightly closer 116-113.
However, the match wasn’t without its challenges. Ramirez, at times, seemed vulnerable, absorbing significant blows from his opponent. In the ten rounds, Ramirez experienced a moment of peril as he was hurt to the body, showcasing that his invulnerability is a misconception. Billam-Smith, hampered by a gruesome cut above his left eye from a head clash early in the fight, showcased tenacity but fought with diminished vision, ultimately questioning his comeback potential in future bouts.
Chris Billam-Smith, with a record of 20 wins and 2 losses, showed incredible heart despite his defeat. The fighter’s ability to continue battling even while compromised highlighted his resilience. Nevertheless, his performance raises questions about his capacity to contend at the highest level moving forward. Billam-Smith’s struggle to maintain effective vision significantly hindered his performance, demonstrating that even the most tenacious fighters can succumb to unfavorable conditions inside the ring.
If Billam-Smith hopes to regain his standing in the cruiserweight division, he will need to reassess his preparation strategies and recovery protocols following injuries. His commitment to combat and boxing skill is evident, but addressing the physical toll of high-level competition will be vital for future success.
The undercard of the event was bursting with excitement and featured several promising boxing talents. Arnold Barboza Jr. showcased his precision and activity against former champion Jose Ramirez, securing a unanimous decision victory (97-93, 96-94, 96-94). Barboza’s relentless combinations stemmed from strategic footwork and timing, rendering Ramirez overwhelmed and desperate as he sought to regain control of the fight in the later rounds.
Meanwhile, lightweight contender William Zepeda continued to rise through the ranks with a split-decision win over Tevin Farmer, enhancing his professional record to 32-0. Zepeda’s performance was met with moments of adversity, notably a flash knockdown in round four, but he persevered to dominate the later stages of the fight. The split decision underscored the competitive nature of the bout, yet many observers felt Zepeda’s volume of punches told the real story. His determination ultimately shone through, positioning him for future title opportunities.
In a noteworthy upset, Oscar Collazo claimed the WBO minimumweight championship from long-reigning WBA champion Thammanoon “Knockout CP Freshmart” Niyomtrong. Collazo’s youthful tenacity and aggressive style led to a seventh-round TKO, dropping Niyomtrong multiple times and showcasing the emergence of a new contender in the minimumweight division. Collazo’s performance may signal a shift in power within this arena.
As the boxing landscape evolves, Ramirez expressed his ambitions for an unification match against IBF champion Jai Opetaia. However, his recent performance against Billam-Smith raises alarm bells. Ramirez must address notable deficiencies displayed in Riyadh if he hopes to avoid being a punching bag for a sharp Australian opponent like Opetaia.
As we reflect on the events of the night in Riyadh, it is clear that the world of boxing continues to be a mosaic of emerging talents, resilience, and the ever-present drive for glory. Fans can look forward to an exciting future filled with potential dust-ups that promise to reshape championship landscapes. Techniques, strategy, and the unwavering spirit of athletes will undoubtedly keep boxing at the forefront of global sporting events.