The boxing world witnessed a sensational evening on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as notable matchups delivered a mix of expected dominations and surprising results. The spotlight shone on several fighters, prominently featuring Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, who successfully defended his WBA cruiserweight title against Chris Billiam-Smith in a grueling twelve rounds. This event not only showcased unparalleled talent but also ignited conversations about future matchups that could shape the landscape of the boxing arena.
Gilberto Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs), a seasoned champion at 33 years old, fought with tenacity that overwhelmed his opponent, Chris Billiam-Smith (29-2, 13 KOs). From the opening bell, Ramirez utilized his swift footwork and high-volume punch output to assert his dominance. Unlike many fighters who lean solely on power, Ramirez displayed technical proficiency, employing angles and consistent activity—traits that kept Billiam-Smith at bay and frustrated.
Despite having considerable punching power, Billiam-Smith struggled to keep pace with Ramirez’s movement. The fight took a significant turn in the fourth round when Billiam-Smith sustained a cut, officially ruled a head clash. However, many observers felt this was a clear consequence of Ramirez’s precision striking, sparking discussions about the referee’s assessment during the fight. The judges’ scorecards reflected the fight’s trajectory, with scores leaning heavily in favor of Ramirez at 116-112, 116-112, and 116-113.
Post-fight, Ramirez expressed his desire to face IBF champion Jai Opetaia next. Whether this unification bout materializes will depend heavily on the strategic decisions made by Golden Boy Promotions. However, potential showdowns against WBC champion Noel Mikaelyan for undisputed status loom on the horizon, underscoring the significance of this victory for Ramirez.
In another highlight bout, the #1 ranked lightweight contender William Zepeda (32-0, 27 KOs) faced a challenging contest against Tevin Farmer (33-7-1, 8 KOs). Zepeda managed to secure a split decision victory, overshadowed by a flash knockdown in the fourth round that momentarily shifted the fight’s narrative. Farmer connected with a left hand in an instance where Zepeda appeared unprepared, leading to a rare moment of panic.
However, despite the brief drama, Zepeda maintained control for the majority of the fight. His continuous pressure and effective bodywork showcased remarkable resilience and stamina. It became evident that Farmer resorted to a defensive strategy, striving to survive against Zepeda’s aggressive style. Judge scores of 95-94, 95-94 for Zepeda, and 95-94 for Farmer sparked debates over the fight’s fairness, largely due to the judges’ apparent failure to accurately assess Zepeda’s dominant body shots.
Looking ahead, Zepeda is set to challenge WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson in February—a matchup that has the potential to further elevate his status in the sport.
In contrast to the prevailing narratives of dominance, former unified light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) fell short against the unbeaten #1-ranked Arnold Barboza Jr. (31-0, 11 KOs) in a WBO 140-lb title eliminator. Ramirez, once regarded as a rising star, appeared to struggle against Barboza’s clean technique throughout their ten-round bout. While Ramirez attempted to mount a comeback, Barboza’s methodical style interrupted any rhythm he tried to establish.
The judges scored this contest 97-93, 96-94, and 96-94, further solidifying Barboza’s standing as a serious title contender. For Ramirez, this loss raises questions about his future trajectory in the sport, especially after already experiencing a setback against Josh Taylor in a unification match three years ago. While Ramirez may still carry the experience of a former champion, his inability to adjust to Barboza’s strategy demonstrated a potential decline that raises many eyebrows.
Ultimately, the events of the night in Riyadh showcased the compelling nature of boxing—teeming with prophetic narratives and unexpected outcomes. Each fight resounded with implications about future title shots and rivalries that can excite fans and analysts alike. As fighters transition from their respective bouts, the boxing community will keenly watch the next moves for Ramirez, Zepeda, and Barboza. The potential for additional high-stakes matchups serves as an ongoing reminder of the dynamism that defines this sport.
Leave a Reply