In a spectacular boxing night at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 12-round battle between WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and WBO champion Chris Billiam-Smith captivated fans with its intensity and skill. Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs) established his dominance over the heavy-handed Billiam-Smith (29-2, 13 KOs), securing a unanimous decision victory that highlighted the vast difference in their fighting styles and abilities.
From the onset of the match, it became clear that Ramirez’s speed and footwork were significant advantages against Billiam-Smith’s more methodical approach. The fight showcased Ramirez’s distinctive high-volume output, with his ability to consistently pressure his opponent proving to be too much for the slower footed Billiam-Smith.
Ironically, the bout could have been more competitive had Billiam-Smith adjusted his strategy to counter Ramirez’s movement effectively. Unfortunately for him, his lack of speed left him trailing in most exchanges. A pivotal moment occurred in the fourth round when Billiam-Smith suffered a cut, initially thought to be caused by a right hand from Ramirez but later ruled to be from a clash of heads. Although the ruling did not affect the outcome of the fight, it served as a testament to the relentless pressure applied by Ramirez throughout the evening.
The judges’ scores reflected the fight’s one-sided nature – 116-112, 116-112, 116-113 – and solidified Ramirez’s position as a leader in the cruiserweight division. In his post-fight comments, Ramirez expressed interest in challenging IBF champion Jai Opetaia or perhaps pursuing a unification bout with WBC champion Noel Mikaelyan. Hopes for an undisputed championship clash hinge on his promoters, Golden Boy, and ongoing negotiations.
Zepeda’s Narrow Victory Over Farmer
The evening continued with the intriguing match between the unbeaten lightweight contender William Zepeda (32-0, 27 KOs) and former champion Tevin Farmer (33-7-1, 8 KOs). Zepeda emerged victorious by a split decision, although the match proved to be more challenging than anticipated.
Zepeda displayed control for the majority of the fight, showing off his punching volume and ring IQ. However, a stunning left hand from Farmer in the fourth round resulted in Zepeda being knocked down, a moment that added to the drama of an otherwise dominant performance. While the DAZN commentators exuberantly played up the significance of the knockdown, it was clear that it was the only notable moment for Farmer in a largely one-sided bout.
Critically, Farmer’s game plan seemed outdated against Zepeda’s robust attack. Instead of looking to create offense, Farmer turned to holding and clinching to stay upright. This tactic, while it may have drawn some attention from the judges, ultimately failed him. The fight concluded with scores of 95-94 across the board, showcasing the divide in perception between the fighters’ performances.
Looking ahead, Zepeda is set to face WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson in February, a match that will test his resilience against a different caliber of opponent. Given the heavy punishment he absorbed against Zepeda, many wonder whether Farmer can handle such an onslaught should he continue to fight at this level.
Another significant fight of the night rounded out the fight card, featuring former unified light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) against unbeaten Arnold Barboza Jr. (31-0, 11 KOs). This matchup turned out to be pivotal for Ramirez, who appeared to struggle against the unrelenting pace and control exhibited by Barboza, leading to a unanimous decision defeat. The scores were 97-93, 96-94, and 96-94, underscoring Barboza’s command throughout the bout.
What made this fight particularly challenging for Ramirez was Barboza’s effective use of jabs and combinations that stifled any offensive momentum Ramirez attempted to generate. While Ramirez may have pressed for a late comeback, it was too little, too late as Barboza maintained composure, effectively neutralizing any threat.
For Ramirez, this defeat marks a significant juncture in his career, with the loss being his second since falling to Josh Taylor three years prior. Moving forward, he will need to reassess his approach and find a way to adapt to the evolving landscape of boxing that seems to have passed him by.
Saturday night’s events undoubtedly shifted the dynamics within several weight classes, raising questions about the future trajectories of all the fighters involved. As prospects line up to compete for titles, fans can only look forward to more thrilling encounters in the ring.