Promoter Oscar De La Hoya is gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the highly anticipated Latino Nights event set for November 16th. With the fight card boasting notable matchups and fighters, the event will be streamed live on DAZN, although the precise start time is yet to be announced. De La Hoya’s promotion marks a significant effort to engage boxing fans, particularly within the Latino community, highlighting the cultural significance of the evening.
At the forefront of the fight card is the clash between WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs) and WBO champion Chris Billiam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs). However, this headlining fight raises eyebrows among boxing enthusiasts. Ramirez’s singular defeat against Dmitry Bivol in 2022 seemed to dim the excitement around his career, leading to decreased interest from American fans. While he has rebounded with victories over Joe Smith Jr. and Arsen Goulamirian, skepticism remains about his drawing power. Notably, this raises the question: is he truly deserving of a headline spot, given that many fans might be more invested in other matchups on the card?
Amidst the discussion regarding the main event, many aficionados are directing their attention to the promising bout between William Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) and Tevin Farmer (33-6-1, 8 KOs). With Zepeda in need of a decisive win to solidify a title shot against WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson in the near future, the stakes are particularly high. This matchup has the potential to outshine the Ramirez vs. Billiam-Smith fight, serving as a litmus test for Zepeda’s aspirations in the lightweight division. Fans eagerly await what both fighters will bring to the table.
The card also features additional high-stakes bouts, with former unified light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez (29-1, 18 KOs) set to take on Arnold Barboza Jr. (30-0, 11 KOs). The implications of this match are significant, as both boxers are ranked in the top tiers of their division and are vying for a shot at the championship. With Barboza currently holding the #1 ranking with the WBO and Ramirez not far behind at #4, the outcome could dramatically alter their career trajectories.
Furthermore, lightweight Oscar Duarte (27-2-1, 22 KOs) will also make his appearance, taking on replacement opponent Botirzhon Akhmedov (10-3, 9 KOs) following Kenneth Sims’ withdrawal. As the lineup grows, each matchup feeds into the larger narrative of competition and ambition that defines the boxing world.
The Latino Nights event promises to be more than just a series of fights; it represents a celebration of culture, talent, and the indomitable spirit of the fighters involved. As Oscar De La Hoya pushes forward with his marketing efforts, boxing fans worldwide can prepare for a captivating night filled with competitive bouts that may redefine the prospects of several fighters. While the spotlight traditionally falls on the main event, it is evident that within this rich card, the potential for surprises and standout performances exists at every turn.