On a memorable night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, boxing fans witnessed a high-octane clash of champions as Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez defended his WBA cruiserweight title against Chris Billiam-Smith. Ramirez, with an impressive record of 47 wins and only one loss, displayed his boxing prowess to secure a unanimous decision victory over the heavy-handed WBO champion. Billiam-Smith, entering the ring with 29 wins and 2 losses, found himself overwhelmed by Ramirez’s skill, speed, and combat experience.
From the onset of the fight, it was clear that Ramirez employed a well-planned strategy that emphasized movement and volume. His relentless output and sharp footwork kept Billiam-Smith on his back foot, rendering him unable to mount a significant offensive. At 33 years old, Ramirez utilized his age and experience to maintain control of the bout, showcasing a high-volume approach that the slower Billiam-Smith struggled to counter. The judges’ scorecards reflected Ramirez’s dominance, with scores reading 116-112, 116-112, and 116-113.
Despite the verdict, there were moments when one could argue that Billiam-Smith had opportunities to regain footing, especially after sustaining a cut in the fourth round. While originally ruled a result of a clash of heads, the cut seemed to stem from a Ramirez right hand, indicating the effectiveness of the champion’s punches. Any cut fighter’s mental strategy is pivotal; however, it seemed that Billiam-Smith could not adapt to the quickness of Ramirez’s lateral movement, leaving him one step behind throughout the contest.
Post-fight, Ramirez expressed interest in facing IBF champion Jai Opetaia, hinting at high aspirations for unification bouts in the future. It remains to be seen whether negotiations proceed smoothly. The prospect of fighting WBC champion Noel Mikaelyan also looms, promising potential bouts that could shape the cruiserweight division moving forward. The boxing community is certainly awaiting developments, as Ramirez seeks to cement his status as one of the best in the sport.
In another notable match on the card, William Zepeda faced former champion Tevin Farmer for the interim WBC lightweight title. Zepeda, maintaining an undefeated record of 32 wins, battled through an unexpected challenge as he found himself on the canvas in the fourth round due to a clean left hand from Farmer. The knockdown was alarming, briefly changing the fight’s momentum. However, Zepeda, characterized by his high work rate, quickly regained control, demonstrating resilience and mental fortitude that proved crucial in the latter rounds.
Despite Farmer’s limited success, which primarily consisted of the flash knockdown, the overall bout was dominated by Zepeda’s activity and aggression. Farmer, who is known for his defensive style, struggled to keep pace with Zepeda’s relentless offense, resorting to clinching and attempting to steal rounds in the fight’s final moments. The judges’ scores reflected a contentious relationship with the fight’s action, resulting in two scorecards favoring Zepeda with 95-94 while Farmer inexplicably received the same score on one card, suggesting inconsistencies in judging.
The evening also marked a pivotal moment for former unified light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez, who was bested by the undefeated Arnold Barboza Jr. in a WBO 140-lb title eliminator. Ramirez, who has experienced resurgence counterbalances following his previous loss to Josh Taylor, seemed to struggle against the younger, sharper Barboza. The bout saw Ramirez falling behind on points as Barboza maintained control with effective jabs and combinations.
This fight illuminated Ramirez’s potential decline, raising questions about his future and whether he can adapt to the rise of new talents. With the judges awarding Barboza scores of 97-93, 96-94, and 96-94, it became evident that the balance of power may be shifting. As Barboza solidifies his standing among top contenders, Ramirez must reevaluate his training and strategies to remain relevant in the competitive world of boxing.
The events of the night in Riyadh were rich with excitement and implications for the future of the boxers involved. While Ramirez reaffirmed his status as a champion, Zepeda’s grit showcased his determination to ascend through the ranks against all odds. Similarly, the losses of both Farmer and Ramirez illustrate the cycle of rise and fall inherent in professional boxing. As the sport evolves, fans will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on the trajectories of these fighters in the coming months.