Oscar De La Hoya, a promoter synonymous with high-stakes boxing events, is gearing up for a significant marketing campaign for the upcoming Latino Nights event, scheduled for November 16th at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Broadcasting live on DAZN, this event promises a lineup of bouts that could either reignite interest in the sport or reinforce existing sentiments among U.S. boxing fans about the current state of the cruiserweight division.
At the heart of the event is the showdown between WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs) and WBO champion Chris Billiam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs). While on paper, this appears to be a compelling matchup, critics argue that Ramirez’s previous performance — a lackluster unanimous decision loss to Dmitry Bivol two years ago — has tarnished his appeal. Many fans have since lost faith in his ability to command marquee events. This raises concerns about whether this fight should truly headline the card, especially when considering the evolving interests of boxing audiences in the U.S.
In stark contrast, the fight between William Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) and Tevin Farmer (33-6-1, 8 KOs) appears to be generating more excitement among boxing aficionados. Zepeda is viewed as a rising star with aspirations to capture a title shot against WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson in early 2024, making his encounter with the former IBF super featherweight champion a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career. Many critics contend that this bout deserves to be the main event, given its potential to captivate audiences and heighten interest in the overall card.
Latino Nights offers a stacked card beyond the headline fights. The co-feature match between former unified light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez (29-1, 18 KOs) and Arnold Barboza Jr. (30-0, 11 KOs) sets the stage for a thrilling confrontation. With Barboza ranked first by the WBO and Ramirez positioned fourth, the stakes are high; the winner is likely to secure a title shot in the near future, adding another layer of intrigue to the event.
Additionally, Oscar Duarte (27-2-1, 22 KOs) will face Botirzhon Akhmedov (10-3, 9 KOs), following Duarte’s original opponent pulling out of the fight. While this alteration may diminish some initial interest, Duarte’s ability to deliver a compelling performance could enrich the audience experience.
As the date approaches, how De La Hoya and his team promote these matchups will significantly influence the overall reception of Latino Nights. While Ramirez seeks to regain his footing in the cruiserweight ranks, the allure of Zepeda and Farmer, along with the compelling co-features, may yet captivate an audience eager for thrilling boxing action. As fans await the showdown, the question remains: will this event reignite interest in boxing, or reinforce the narratives of lost opportunities? Only time will tell.