In a highly anticipated cruiserweight clash, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez showcased his incredible skill set and tactical prowess against the heavy-hitting Chris Billiam-Smith. Fought on a significant night at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the bout culminated in a resounding victory for Ramirez, who emerged with a unanimous decision after 12 arduous rounds. The champion’s performance was marked by an exceptional display of footwork and a relentless volume of punches, effectively neutralizing Billiam-Smith’s power.
Ramirez, at 33 years old and boasting a record of 47 wins (30 KOs) against just one loss, utilized his high-work rate to establish a rhythm that Billiam-Smith struggled to match. The WBO champion, standing at 29-2 with just 13 KOs, found himself increasingly outmaneuvered. Despite possessing the capability to counter Ramirez’s agility with his own boxing acumen, he largely failed to implement a strategy that could close the distance effectively, leading to a one-sided bout.
The most notable moment came in the fourth round when Billiam-Smith sustained a cut. Although it was ruled a product of an accidental clash of heads, many believed it was caused by a well-timed right from Ramirez. While the injury added a layer of drama to the fight, it ultimately could not affect the outcome, as the judges scored it 116-112, 116-112, and 116-113 in favor of Ramirez.
Following the match, Ramirez expressed his aspirations to fight IBF champion Jai Opetaia, although this path depends heavily on the decision-making of his promoters and investors. A showdown with the WBC champion Noel Mikaelyan also looms as a potential unification bout, setting the stage for a compelling future in the cruiserweight division.
Zepeda’s Gritty Encounter with Farmer
In a dramatic undercard bout, William Zepeda faced Tevin Farmer in a fiercely contested 10-round match for the WBC interim lightweight title. Zepeda, holding an unblemished record of 32 wins (27 KOs), found himself unexpectedly challenged by Farmer, who has a record of 33 wins (8 KOs), 7 losses, and 1 draw. Despite the final decision favoring Zepeda through a split decision, the encounter highlighted the resilience required in the sport.
The fight was marked by a pivotal moment in round four when Zepeda was dropped by a supposedly surprise left from Farmer. While the knockdown injected a sense of drama, it ultimately proved to be a fleeting highlight for Farmer, who struggled against Zepeda’s ceaseless aggression and body scrutiny. The commentary team focused significantly on the dramatic aspects of the knockdown, even underplaying Zepeda’s consistent dominance throughout most of the fight.
The scorecards ultimately revealed the judges’ split opinion: two favored Zepeda at 95-94, whereas one judge controversially scored it the same for Farmer. Many observers agreed that Zepeda had a significant advantage, often controlling the pace with high volume and effective combinations, particularly to Farmer’s body—a tactic that seemed underappreciated by the judges.
One notable takeaway was Farmer’s struggle to manage Zepeda’s relentless activity. Despite his efforts to steal rounds during the final seconds, he wasn’t able to offset the broader narrative of being outworked. His post-fight assertions of a favorable outcome seemed misaligned with reality, exposing a sense of denial regarding the fight’s true dynamics.
Barboza’s Ascendancy Over Ramirez
In another exciting bout on the card, former unified light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez encountered a formidable challenge in Arnold Barboza Jr. The unbeaten Barboza, now 31-0 with 11 KOs, secured a unanimous decision victory and further illustrated Ramirez’s obstacles following previous losses. Ramirez, whose record now stands at 29 wins (18 KOs) and 2 losses, appeared lackluster compared to his previous outings.
Barboza’s exceptional jab and quick combinations allowed him to dictate the tempo throughout the fight and resist any late surges by Ramirez, who has struggled since his defeat to Josh Taylor three years earlier. The scores reflected Barboza’s control at 97-93, 96-94, and 96-94, signaling his rise in status within the 140-pound division.
As Ramirez contemplates the implications of this setback, it’s clear that significant changes may be necessary as he navigates the later stages of his career. Meanwhile, Barboza looks poised to capitalize on his newfound position as a top contender, potentially setting up future lucrative matchups in the division. The evening in Riyadh epitomized the unpredictability and excitement of boxing, providing fans with thrilling clashes that could shape the future landscape of the sport.
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