Ramirez vs. Billam-Smith unified title fight ended with Gilberto Ramirez defeating Chris Billam-Smith in Riyadh to claim the WBA and WBO cruiserweight championships.
Ramirez vs. Billam-Smith: Unified Cruiserweight Title Fight
Gilberto Ramirez, known as “Zurdo,” secured a decisive victory over Chris Billam-Smith in Riyadh to become the unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion. Ramirez’s commanding performance saw judges scoring the fight 116-112, 116-112, and 116-113 in his favor.
Ramirez’s Dominance in the Ring
From the early rounds, Ramirez showcased his superior skill, landing precise and powerful shots. By the fourth round, a massive right hook cut Billam-Smith over his left eye, setting the tone for the rest of the fight. The British fighter struggled with vision issues for several rounds but fought bravely to stay on his feet.
Despite moments of resilience, Billam-Smith could not match Ramirez’s consistency and volume of punches. In the fifth round, Ramirez connected with a stunning left hand, further weakening his opponent. Although Billam-Smith had some success in the later rounds, it wasn’t enough to shift the fight in his favor.
Billam-Smith’s Reaction Post-Fight
Chris Billam-Smith, known for his grit, acknowledged Ramirez’s superiority. “Consistency builds success, and tonight, Ramirez had it,” he said. Billam-Smith now plans to rest and regroup for his next fight.
Ramirez Sets Sights on Further Unification
With this victory, Ramirez, now 47-1 in his professional career, becomes the first Mexican to unify cruiserweight titles. He expressed his ambition to unify the division further, with potential matchups against IBF champion Jai Opetaia and WBC champion Noel Mikaelian.
This win solidifies Ramirez’s standing in the cruiserweight division, marking his second world title win in as many fights since moving up in weight.
For additional updates, read the full article on BBC or explore related content on Eurasia Sports.
