Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez vs. Chris Billam-Smith: Cruiserweight Unification Showdown in Riyadh
The boxing world is gearing up for an electrifying cruiserweight unification bout as Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and Chris Billam-Smith prepare to clash on November 16, 2024. Set against the backdrop of Riyadh Season, this high-stakes fight promises to be a major highlight in the boxing calendar.
Unification Bout: Ramirez vs. Billam-Smith
Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs) will put his WBA cruiserweight title on the line against Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs), who holds the WBO cruiserweight belt. This match represents a significant opportunity for both fighters, as they vie to become the unified cruiserweight champion.
The anticipation surrounding this bout has been palpable. Ramirez, a former WBO super middleweight champion, captured the WBA cruiserweight title earlier this year by defeating Arsen Goulamirian. His performance was so impressive that it elevated him to the No. 3 spot in The Ring cruiserweight rankings. Ramirez expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming fight, saying, “I’m excited to make this fight happen with Chris Billam-Smith. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m looking forward to becoming the unified champion in this division.”
Billam-Smith, who earned his cruiserweight title with a stunning victory over Lawrence Okolie in May 2023, has solidified his position as the top contender. His career has been marked by resilience and skill, demonstrated by his subsequent title defences and a notable win over Richard Riakporhe. Billam-Smith is ready to face Ramirez, fully confident in his ability to unify the division. “Gilberto Ramirez is a great champion, but Chris Billam-Smith will be coming full of confidence and ready to unify the division,” said Ben Shalom, Billam-Smith’s promoter.
Supporting Fights on the Card
The Riyadh Season event will also feature a robust undercard, further enhancing its appeal. Former WBC/WBO 140-pound champion Jose Ramirez (29-1, 18 KOs) will face unbeaten contender Arnold Barboza (30-0, 11 KOs). This fight promises to be a compelling clash as Ramirez looks to reassert himself on the world stage.
Additionally, unbeaten lightweight contender William Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) will take on Tevin Farmer (33-6-1, 8 KOs). This bout is anticipated to be a key step in Zepeda’s preparation for a title shot against Shakur Stevenson early next year.
The evening will also showcase a WBO strawweight title fight between unbeaten champion Oscar Collazo (10-0, 7 KOs) and Edwin Cano (13-2-1, 4 KOs). Lastly, Kenneth Sims Jr. (21-2-1, 8 KOs), the WBA No. 1 contender at 140 pounds, will compete against Mexico’s Oscar Duarte (27-2-1, 22 KOs).
Impact and Significance of the Event
This event marks a significant milestone as it will be the first Riyadh Season show available to viewers without the added cost of Pay-Per-View. “We are looking forward to staging our first event as part of our partnership with Golden Boy Promotions with Latino Night,” said Turki Alalshikh, head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh emphasised the event’s role in showcasing top Latino boxing talent and delivering high-quality fights to a global audience.
Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, echoed this sentiment, stating, “His Excellency and I have the exact same vision — to match the best versus the best for the fans of our sport.” The collaboration between Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and Golden Boy Promotions highlights their commitment to presenting top-tier boxing events.
Looking Ahead
As fans eagerly await this unification bout, the stage is set for an exhilarating night of fights in Riyadh. Both Ramirez and Billam-Smith have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout their careers, and their clash is expected to be a defining moment in the cruiserweight division.
This event not only showcases the growing prominence of boxing in Saudi Arabia but also highlights the continued global appeal of the sport. With a star-studded card and significant implications for the cruiserweight division, November 16, 2024, promises to be a memorable night for boxing fans around the world.
