In what was a gruelling contest, Gilberto Ramirez proved too good for Chris Billam-Smith to become the unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion on the latest instalment of ‘Riyadh Season’ out in Saudi Arabia.
The judges scored the fight 116-112 (x2) and 116-113 , which now positions ‘Zurdo’ in line for a clash with IBF champion Jai Opetaia.
The fight started with ‘CBS’ looking to dictate using all his physical advantages, making it awkward for the Mexican to establish any rhythm.
However, a good start for Billam-Smith seemingly woke up Ramirez as he landed some great shots, particularly a clean left hand early in the round.
During the next few rounds ‘Zurdo’ took over, landing significant body blows to the Brit and it looked like he could not miss with his land hand.
At the end of the fifth, ‘CBS’ walked wearily to his corner, appearing to have a cut above his left eye.
6-9 was all Ramirez, Billam Smith just could not deal with the left hand, and despite showing a tremendous chin, he was taking a lot of unanswered punishment.
Round 10 was slightly closer, CBS did have some success on the inside, however by this stage he needed a knockout.
The man from Bournemouth was never going to go out without fighting, in the final round the pair went toe-to-toe, to end off a great fight, despite being quite one-sided.
Much of the talk before the fight was about whether Ramirez could deal with Billam-Smith’s physicality, however, he showed that while he can be skilful and evade this, he also has no problem standing in the pocket to.
The victory has now surely set up a huge cruiserweight showdown between Ramirez and the magnificent Jai Opetaia.
“I feel great I’m a two-champion.”
”I prepare for those guys, we know he was a tough fighter. It was an honour for me to fight him and get the belt. I tried to use my distance as much as I could. He’s tough he comes forward all the time.”
”I want to unify all the champions, that’s the main goal for me.”
‘Zurdo’ said that the fight was tough for him and he had to make sure he kept his distance as ‘CBS’ is strong. Secondly, he has welcomed a fight with IBF champion Jai Opetaia.
For ‘CBS’ it was a tough night and whilst he has successfully rolled the diced before in his career, this proved one too many.
”He is really good, he has got consistent shots.”
”A little bit, it’s part of the sport. There were a few rounds where I couldn’t see out the eye.”
”We will have to go back and assess, and keep improving.
Billam-Smith said that Ramirez was very tough and skilful. Moreover, he suggested that the cut above his eye caused him a few issues, but that is just part of the sport.
We will have to wait and see what is next for both fighters.
That mouthwatering clash between Ramirez and Opetaia should hopefully be next, and Billam-Smith will likely return in the summer of 2025.
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