The cruiserweight division continues to prove a natural fit for the talented Mexican boxer Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Last night, at The Venue Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia, Ramirez decisively defeated a stoic Chris Billam-Smith, unifying the WBO and WBA world titles. Zurdo emerged victorious by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the bout: 116-112, 116-112, and 116-113.
Mexican fans watching live may have been concerned after the opening round. Ramirez appeared distracted and sluggish, allowing his determined opponent to control the pace and clearly take the first three minutes.
The early scare, however, served as a wake-up call for the favorite. By the second round, Ramirez began to counter effectively, matching Billam-Smith’s aggression punch for punch. Despite his physical advantage and experience at cruiserweight, the British fighter found himself struggling in the ensuing toe-to-toe exchanges.
Though brave in his approach, Billam-Smith paid the price for his stiff upper body, which left him vulnerable to Ramirez’s lateral movement and hooks from unpredictable angles. The fourth round was particularly punishing for the Englishman, as his stationary head became an easy target for Ramirez’s relentless onslaught.
Billam-Smith pressed forward courageously, excelling in close-range exchanges but faltering in mid-range combat, where Zurdo’s precision and versatility shone. His ordeal was compounded by a nasty cut examined by the ringside physician early in the seventh round.
Despite the brutal punishment, the WBO champion’s resolve was unwavering. Billam-Smith remained determined, seeking opportunities to turn the tide. The closing moments of the ninth round encapsulated his resilience, as a thunderous right hook briefly pushed Ramirez onto the defensive after the Mexican had dominated most of the frame.
Ramirez took a more measured approach in the tenth round but resumed his offensive rhythm in the final two rounds. The fight’s climax, a ferocious final three minutes reminiscent of a Rocky movie, saw Zurdo unleash a barrage of punches while Billam-Smith absorbed everything without retreating an inch.
The final scorecards were, in my opinion, slightly generous to the valiant English fighter. I had it 117-111 in favor of Ramirez, but the result remains indisputable. Zurdo now returns home with both belts, cementing his status as one of the top two cruiserweights in the world alongside Australia’s Jai Opetaia. A clash between the two would undoubtedly be spectacular.
As for Billam-Smith, retirement may be worth considering. The Englishman has had a fantastic career, achieving all that was within his grasp. After such a grueling defeat, finding the motivation to rebuild will be a daunting task.