Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez etched his name into the history books with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Chris Billam-Smith to become Mexico’s first unified world cruiserweight champion. In a masterful performance at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ramirez showcased his superior technical skills and ring generalship to secure the WBA and WBO titles.
Ramirez’s Dominant Display
From the opening bell, it was clear that Ramirez was on a different level than his British opponent. The 33-year-old southpaw from Sinaloa, Mexico, utilized his slick movement and accurate punching to keep Billam-Smith off balance throughout the contest. Ramirez’s superior footwork and defensive prowess made it difficult for the Englishman to mount any sustained offense.
As the rounds progressed, Ramirez began to land with increasing frequency, peppering Billam-Smith with crisp combinations and stinging left hands. The Mexican’s technical superiority was evident, as he consistently beat Billam-Smith to the punch and evaded the majority of the Brit’s attacks.
Billam-Smith’s Valiant Effort
Despite being outclassed, Chris Billam-Smith showed immense heart and determination throughout the fight. The 34-year-old from Bournemouth, England, never stopped trying to turn the tide, even as he absorbed punishment from Ramirez’s precise strikes. Billam-Smith’s face was a mask of blood by the final rounds, a testament to the relentless assault he endured at the hands of the Mexican champion.
“Consistency was what won it for Zurdo tonight,” Billam-Smith acknowledged after the fight. “He throws three or four shots and then moves. He’s consistent.”
– Chris Billam-Smith
Making Mexican Boxing History
With his victory, Gilberto Ramirez became the first Mexican boxer to capture a world title in the cruiserweight division. This historic achievement places him alongside other legendary Mexican champions who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Ramirez’s technical brilliance and ring savvy were on full display, proving that he belongs among the elite fighters in the world today.
“Of course I want to unify all the belts and that’s a big goal for me,” Ramirez declared in his post-fight interview.
– Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez
Looking Ahead: Unification and Heavyweight Ambitions
With two world titles now in his possession, Ramirez has his sights set on further unification bouts in the cruiserweight division. A potential showdown with IBF titleholder Jai Opetaia looms on the horizon, offering Ramirez the opportunity to solidify his position as the king of the 200-pound weight class.
However, Ramirez’s ambitions don’t stop at cruiserweight. His promoter, Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions, has expressed interest in matching his charge against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, should the Ukrainian decide to return to the cruiserweight ranks in the future. While this would undoubtedly be a daunting challenge, Ramirez’s technical prowess and ring IQ could make him a formidable opponent for any fighter in the world.
A Night of Latino Boxing Excellence
Ramirez’s historic victory was the centerpiece of a night celebrating Latino boxing talent in Riyadh. In other notable bouts, Arnold Barboza defeated Jose Ramirez to move closer to a junior welterweight title shot, while William Zepeda edged Tevin Farmer to position himself for a crack at WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson.
The night also saw Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo unify two minimumweight world titles with a stunning seventh-round stoppage of Thailand’s long-reigning champion Thammanoon “Freshsmart” Niyomtrong. Collazo’s performance served as a reminder of the deep well of talent that exists in the lighter weight classes, particularly among Latino fighters.
Conclusion
Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez’s dominant victory over Chris Billam-Smith was a triumph not only for the fighter himself but for Mexican boxing as a whole. By becoming the nation’s first unified cruiserweight champion, Ramirez has secured his place in the annals of boxing history and opened the door for even greater achievements in the future. As he sets his sights on further unification and a potential move to heavyweight, one thing is certain: the boxing world will be watching with bated breath to see what this remarkable champion achieves next.
