The world of professional boxing witnessed an electrifying evening on Saturday at The Venue in Riyadh, where Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez fought to a hard-earned victory over Chris Billam-Smith in a unification bout for the WBA and WBO belts. With this unanimous decision win, Ramirez not only retained his WBA title but also acquired the WBO belt from Billam-Smith, who has been a significant contender in his own right. However, as exhilarating as the event was, it also highlighted certain vulnerabilities in Ramirez’s game that could pose challenges in future fights.
Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs) achieved victory with judges scoring the contest 116-112, 116-112, and 116-113. His opponent, Billam-Smith (20-2, 13 KOs), faced significant adversity during the fight, battling both fatigue and a severe cut above his left eye caused by a clash of heads early in the match. As the fight progressed, Billam-Smith’s limited vision significantly hampered his performance, forcing him to fight from behind with a notable disadvantage.
Despite this, it was far from an easy night for Ramirez. The 33-year-old boxer appeared somewhat sluggish, especially around the waist, and took many hits throughout the match, notably enduring a significant body shot in round ten. While Ramirez’s superior work rate and agile movement helped him secure the win, it’s evident that he must refine his defensive skills and stamina if he wishes to compete against more formidable opponents, such as the IBF champion Jai Opetaia, whom he expressed interest in facing next.
In addition to the Ramirez fight, the undercard featured several notable matchups that captivated the audience. Arnold Barboza Jr. (31-0, 11 KOs) showcased his boxing prowess against former unified light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs), winning by unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 97-93, 96-94, 96-94 in favor of Barboza, who employed precise combinations and effective jabs to maintain control. Jose Ramirez demonstrated tenacity and heart, especially in the later rounds, but ultimately could not overcome Barboza’s clear edge in skill and speed.
Meanwhile, lightweight contender William Zepeda (32-0, 27 KOs) edged out Tevin Farmer (33-7-1, 8 KOs) by a split decision, despite being floored in the fourth round. This bout underscored Zepeda’s resilience as he rebounded to dominate the following rounds. Farmer, on the other hand, appeared fatigued post-eighth round and struggled to stem the tide against Zepeda’s relentless pressure.
Oscar Collazo (11-0, 8 KOs) had an impressive outing, stopping the long-standing WBA minimumweight champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong (25-1, 9 KOs) in the seventh round. Collazo’s youthful energy was evident as he dropped his opponent multiple times before the referee called off the bout. This performance solidified Collazo’s status as a rising star in the boxing world.
Another standout performance came from Oscar Duarte (28-2-1, 22 KOs), who battled tenaciously to secure a unanimous decision against Batyr Akhmedov (10-4, 9 KOs). After a slow start, Duarte turned the tide in the second half of the fight using his punching power to great effect. His desire for a shot at Devin Haney demonstrates his ambitions but also raises the question of whether he can remain competitive against top-tier fighters.
While the evening was a resounding success for many fighters, it also highlighted the acute need for improvement for individuals like Ramirez. The critique that he is a “paper champion” risks weighing heavy on him, particularly if he cannot enhance his performance for upcoming significant challenges. Further, other fighters like Barboza and Zepeda are eager for their opportunities—Barboza notably calling out WBO champion Teofimo Lopez while Zepeda eyes a clash with Shakur Stevenson.
Looking ahead, the fights in Riyadh not only shaped the careers of the victors but also set the stage for future matchups that promise to allure boxing enthusiasts. As Ramirez aims for a unification bout against Opetaia, he must approach the challenge with heightened intensity and preparation, lest he finds himself once again using sheer will rather than skill to secure a victory. As boxing continues to evolve, the successes and setbacks of these fighters serve as potent reminders of the sport’s unpredictability and excitement.