The boxing world was treated to an electrifying evening of fights on Saturday night at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Two standout matches highlighted the event: Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez successfully defended his WBA cruiserweight title against Chris Billiam-Smith, and the WBC interim lightweight title bout between William Zepeda and Tevin Farmer proved to be as thrilling as it was controversial. Both fights left fans buzzing, but they also raised questions about the fighters’ skills, strategies, and future endeavors.
In an expected showdown of contrasting styles, Gilberto Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs) emerged victorious over Chris Billiam-Smith (29-2, 13 KOs) by a unanimous decision after 12 grueling rounds. Ramirez’s pivotal advantage lay in his impressive footwork and high-volume punching – traits that have become his trademarks. Though Billiam-Smith is known for his punching power, his inability to adapt to Ramirez’s movement rendered him ineffective throughout the bout.
The fight was marred by a fourth-round cut on Billiam-Smith, initially attributed to a clash of heads but seemingly resulting from a Ramirez punch. Regardless, the cut seemed to stifle Billiam-Smith’s already limited mobility. Had the WBO champion been faster on his feet and better equipped to engage Ramirez effectively, the fight could have taken on a different narrative. Despite landing fewer shots, Ramirez’s volume was overwhelming, with all three judges scoring the bout 116-112 and 116-113 in his favor.
After the bout, Ramirez expressed a desire to challenge IBF champion Jai Opetaia next. However, the direction of his career will depend on his promoters at Golden Boy and the engagement of local dignitaries, suggesting complexities that often accompany title challenges in boxing.
In a co-feature bout, William Zepeda faced Tevin Farmer for the WBC interim lightweight title. The fight was perceived as a formality for Zepeda (32-0, 27 KOs), yet it became an unexpectedly turbulent 10-round contest that ended in a split decision victory for Zepeda. Despite being knocked down by Farmer (33-7-1, 8 KOs) in the fourth round, which was a shocking moment that shifted the crowd’s demeanor, Zepeda regained control and demonstrated resilience characteristic of a highly skilled fighter.
The aftermath of this encounter sparked debates among fans and analysts alike. Some commentators suggested that Farmer’s knockdown deserved greater recognition, overshadowing the broader dynamic of the fight. In reality, after the brief drama of the fourth, Zepeda dictated the pace and showcased superior activity levels, leaving Farmer struggling to keep up. It must be noted that the judges’ scoring system seemed to compromise their ability to accurately assess the fight, focusing more on headshots than important body strikes landed by Zepeda throughout the rounds.
Zepeda now looks ahead to a major showdown with WBC champion Shakur Stevenson, scheduled for February, if things go according to plan. However, the question looms: can Farmer absorb the significant punishment he faced in this fight, especially when matched against someone like Stevenson, who possesses a stellar arsenal?
Turning entirely to Jose Ramirez, the former unified light-welterweight champion, he faced an uphill battle against unbeaten contender Arnold Barboza Jr. (31-0, 11 KOs). The unanimous decision loss highlighted a potential decline in Ramirez’s performance, as Barboza controlled the match from start to finish, effectively utilizing distance and technique to neutralize Ramirez’s attack.
This fight underscores a critical moment for Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs), prompting discussions regarding whether he can regain his form or if he is merely a shadow of his former self. Having lost to Josh Taylor in a unification bout three years ago, he seems to be lost in the shuffle, unable to capitalize on his prior accomplishments.
The evening in Riyadh served as a vibrant reminder of the intricacies of boxing – where skill can often triumph over brute force. While Ramirez and Zepeda enjoy thrusting ahead in their respective careers, the challenges faced by Billiam-Smith, Farmer, and Ramirez themselves pose questions about adaptability and the avenues available for resurgence. The world of boxing continually ingests both triumph and defeat, creating endless storylines and the ever-alluring quest for legacy. As these fighters continue to navigate their paths, fans will be keenly observing who will rise and who may fade into the background.