In a highly anticipated night of boxing at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, two notable fighters showcased their skills, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and rising star William Zepeda both stepped into the ring with the weight of their divisions on their shoulders. However, as the dust settled, it was clear that their respective journeys would take different courses.
Gilberto Ramirez, holding an impressive record of 47-1 with 30 KOs, faced off against the heavy-hitting WBO champion Chris Billiam-Smith, whose record stood at 29-2 with 13 KOs. The match wound its way through twelve intense rounds, culminating in a unanimous decision victory for Ramirez. His performance was characterized by exceptional mobility and a high-volume punching style that overwhelmed Billiam-Smith.
Throughout the fight, Ramirez utilized footwork reminiscent of a seasoned dancer—smooth, agile, and strategic. He negated Billiam-Smith’s power by effectively maintaining distance and utilizing his advantages in speed and precision. It became increasingly apparent that Billiam-Smith struggled to adapt to the fluidity of Ramirez’s movements, which rendered his own attacks unproductive and sporadic.
The contest took a pivotal turn in the fourth round when a cut above Billiam-Smith’s eye raised questions about the fight’s intensity. Although the cut was attributed to a head clash, many in attendance felt it was a testament to Ramirez’s effective offense rather than a mere accident. The fight’s final scores, 116-112, 116-112, and 116-113, reflected a clear consensus in favor of Ramirez, solidifying his status in the cruiserweight division.
Post-fight, Ramirez expressed his ambitions to face IBF champion Jai Opetaia next, although such plans hinge on the decisions of his promoters at Golden Boy and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh. The possibility of unification bouts looms enticingly, particularly with WBC champion Noel Mikaelyan in the mix.
In a contrasting battle, the #1 ranked lightweight contender, William Zepeda, found himself squared off against the seasoned Tevin Farmer for the WBC interim 135-lb title. Zepeda entered the ring with a perfect record of 32-0 (27 KOs) but faced an unexpected challenge in the form of an early knockdown from Farmer, which momentarily shifted the fight’s momentum.
The knockdown, a product of a well-timed left hand from Farmer, occurred in the fourth round. It provided a brief moment of drama and put Zepeda on the defensive. However, Zepeda quickly regained composure and reverted to his aggressive style, effectively dominating the rest of the bout. The fight showcased Zepeda’s relentless pace, as he outworked Farmer, pushing him into a defensive posture for the majority of the rounds.
Judges awarded Zepeda a split decision victory (95-94, 95-94, and 95-94), attesting to the discrepancies in their evaluations of the match. Despite the concerted effort by Farmer, who attempted to steal rounds in the last seconds, Zepeda’s overall activity and damage inflicted during the fight proved to be crucial. The observation by commentators that Farmer was skillfully trying to sway judges indicates a deeper issue in assessing the fight, with some suggesting he was fortunate not to lose further decisively.
With this victory, Zepeda is slated to face the WBC lightweight champion, Shakur Stevenson, in what promises to be an electrifying match. Observers are both eager and anxious about how Zepeda will fare against a fighter renowned for his nimbleness and defensive prowess.
On another card, former unified light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez suffered a setback against unbeaten #1-ranked Arnold Barboza Jr., losing by unanimous decision in a WBO 140-lb title eliminator. At 29-2, Ramirez’s results have painted a picture of a fighter facing the twilight of his prime, contrasting Barboza’s controlled and disciplined approach.
Ramirez struggled to find rhythm against Barboza’s precise jabs and effective combinations. Despite late attempts to reclaim the fight, Ramirez was systematically thwarted. The scores, 97-93, 96-94, and 96-94 in favor of Barboza, indicated that Ramirez faced a formidable obstacle in his quest for redemption.
As the boxing scene continues to evolve in Saudi Arabia and beyond, the performances of Ramirez and Zepeda set the stage for compelling narratives within their respective divisions. The night not only highlighted individual talents but also underscored the brutal reality of professional boxing, where the quest for glory can often lead to both triumph and heartbreak.