Much of the world’s attention this week is on Tyson vs Paul, but we believe the most intriguing bouts will undoubtedly be Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 2 and Gilberto Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith. For our weekly feature, we’ve chosen to dive into the latter, given its novelty and the uncertainties surrounding it. The two will face off on Saturday at The Venue Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia for the unification of their respective WBA and WBO cruiserweight world titles.
Gilberto Ramirez: Bulking Up and Gaining Agility
It seems almost unbelievable, looking at his current frame, that Gilberto Ramirez began his professional career in the middleweight division. Over the years, the talented Mexican boxer has gradually bulked up, achieving the remarkable feat of becoming a world champion in two weight classes. Before his most recent jump from light heavyweight to cruiserweight, “Zurdo” towered over his opponents, yet this size advantage often came with a deficit in agility. The phenomenal Russian boxer Dmitrii Bivol, renowned for his footwork and speed, demonstrated this vulnerability by unsettling Ramirez with feints, swift movements, and counterpunches. Unlike many fighters who grow slower and more predictable as they move up in weight, Ramirez appears to have benefited from stepping into the 200-pound division. Perhaps less drained by weight-cutting sacrifices or maybe facing slower, more static opponents, Zurdo now appears rejuvenated, showcasing impressive footwork and a diverse arsenal of punches. On Saturday, he will aim to prove that cruiserweight is his ideal division.
Chris Billam-Smith: A Gym Rat with Visible Growth
Some fighters remain at the same level throughout their careers, making only minor improvements through experience. Others, like Chris Billam-Smith, progress exponentially, reaching heights few expected. Billam-Smith is a sponge for his trainers’ teachings, using his ring experiences to improve in subsequent bouts. It’s no coincidence that the British fighter excels in rematches. Against Tommy McCarthy, he followed up a close, controversial first fight with a dominant KO victory in the rematch. Similarly, after losing on points with a knockdown against Richard Riakporhe in their first encounter, he convincingly won the rematch by making key tactical adjustments. Versatile in style and highly physical, Billam-Smith faces the toughest challenge of his career but enters with momentum and immense confidence from recent high-profile victories. Despite being the underdog, he’ll aim to defy the odds once again.
Gilberto Ramirez vs. Chris Billam-Smith: How Will It End? Boxe Punch Prediction!
We’ve seen Chris Billam-Smith fight in various styles: as a counterpuncher, a technician, and an aggressor. Predicting his approach to this unification bout isn’t easy. However, it seems unlikely that a low-tempo, tactical battle will work in his favor.
In terms of jab utilization, timing, and speed, Gilberto Ramirez seems to have the upper hand and should win most of the rounds fought at long range. Even if Billam-Smith starts conservatively, he may eventually be forced to take risks and engage in exchanges.
Such a shift might detract from the fight’s spectacle. In the past, when Billam-Smith has resorted to imposing close-range pressure, his bouts have turned chaotic and clinch-heavy — a scenario where his exceptional physical strength shines.
Gilberto Ramirez, however, has already proven adept at handling fighters who thrive on brawling. In his last fight, Ramirez claimed the WBA title from Arsen Goulamirian, a French-Armenian known for his physicality and relentless pressure. Zurdo skillfully neutralized Goulamirian’s chaotic attacks, absorbed his best punches effortlessly, and asserted his superior technique without ever appearing in trouble.
From my perspective, Billam-Smith, despite his usual grit, will gradually exhaust his options without finding the winning formula. While the Brit might enjoy some favorable moments and occasionally land his excellent left hook, I predict Gilberto Ramirez will maintain control and secure a clear victory.
My prediction: a points win for Zurdo, with a margin of about six rounds on the scorecards.