On a night filled with intense anticipation, boxing enthusiasts witnessed a riveting array of matchups, headlined by the impressive performance of Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez against Chris Billiam-Smith for the WBA cruiserweight championship. Their bout, held at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcased not only the prowess of Ramirez but also highlighted the contrasting styles of both fighters.
Gilberto Ramirez, holding an impressive record of 47 wins and just one defeat with 30 knockouts, demonstrated his extensive skill set against the heavy-handed WBO champion Chris Billiam-Smith, who came into the fight with a record of 29 wins and 2 losses. From the outset, Ramirez’s high-volume output and superior footwork created problems for Billiam-Smith, who struggled to match the speed and fluidity of his opponent. The judges ultimately awarded Ramirez a unanimous decision, with scores reflecting his dominance at 116-112, 116-112, and 116-113.
Ramirez’s strategy relied heavily on movement and variations in punching angles that kept Billiam-Smith off balance. In contrast, Billiam-Smith’s relatively slow footwork hindered his ability to effectively respond and counter Ramirez’s attacks. A pivotal moment occurred in the fourth round when Billiam-Smith suffered a cut, which was controversially ruled as stemming from a head clash despite visual evidence suggesting it may have been a result of a Ramirez punch.
Moving forward, Ramirez expressed an interest in future clashes against IBF champion Jai Opetaia or WBC champion Noel Mikaelyan, linking his current success to a road towards undisputed supremacy in the cruiserweight division. This aim not only adds excitement to his career trajectory but also sets the stage for potential unification bouts that could reshape the landscape of the division.
In a contrasting fight that was equally thrilling, lightweight contender William Zepeda faced Tevin Farmer for the WBC interim title in a 10-round bout. Zepeda, who boasts an undefeated record of 32-0, 27 KOs, found himself in a tougher match than expected against Farmer, known for his technical skills but less significant power compared to Zepeda. Despite being knocked down by Farmer in the fourth round, Zepeda recovered quickly to regain control of the fight, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.
The fight was marked by an overall dominance from Zepeda, despite the initial scare from the knockdown. Indeed, the knockdown was somewhat exaggerated by the commentators, especially considering it was Farmer’s sole highlight in an otherwise one-sided match. The scorecards reflected a split decision that raised eyebrows, with two judges scoring in favor of Zepeda and one favoring Farmer.
Now, as Zepeda prepares for an anticipated matchup against WBC champion Shakur Stevenson in February, questions arise concerning the potential for his aggressive style to affect Stevenson’s defensive prowess. Zepeda’s ability to weather Farmer’s offense while continuously applying pressure could serve as an indicator of how he might fare against elite competition like Stevenson.
Another prominent narrative from the night was the clash between former unified light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez and unbeaten contender Arnold Barboza Jr. Barboza, maintaining his clean record of 31-0 with 11 knockouts, emerged victorious, outboxing a notably slower and less effective Ramirez. The judges rewarded Barboza’s superior performance, marking a clear 10-round unanimous decision victory.
Throughout the fight, Barboza’s jab and combination punching neutralized Ramirez’s attempts at offense, ultimately suggesting that the former champion’s era in the 140-pound class may be waning. Ramirez, who had been seeking redemption after his 2020 loss to Josh Taylor, appeared to lack the speed and finesse that characterized his earlier successes. This fight further complicates his future, raising questions about whether he can regain his top-tier status.
Saturday night’s bouts shed light on both the evolving dynamics within the boxing landscape and the challenges faced by fighters as they navigate their careers. Ramirez’s ambition, Zepeda’s resilience, and Barboza’s emergence all weave into a rich tapestry of narratives that will shape the sport’s future. As the dust settles, boxing fans are left with eager anticipation for upcoming fights that promise to further define these athletes’ legacies.