Chris Billiam Smith and Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez are set to face off in an undisputed cruiserweight fight on November 16th at The Venue in Riyadh. The WBO cruiserweight champion, Smith, with a record of 20-1 and 13 KOs, will step into the ring against the formidable Ramirez, boasting a record of 46-1 with 30 KOs.
The decision to stage this highly anticipated bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, comes as no surprise given the lack of interest in the cruiserweight division in the U.S. It provides an excellent platform for Billiam Smith and Ramirez to showcase their skills and attract a global audience. Golden Boy Promotions, the promoters for Zurdo Ramirez, likely preferred this distant location over England for the risky fight against Smith.
In addition to the main event, the undercard for the Billiam Smith-Zurdo Ramirez fight includes exciting matchups such as Jose Ramirez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr., William Zepeda vs. Tevin Farmer, Oscar Collazo vs. Edwin Hernandez, and Oscar Duarte vs. Kenneth Sims. The prospect of a unification match against IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia adds further intrigue to the night’s proceedings.
Ramirez has shown significant growth since moving up to cruiserweight in 2023, adopting a slick boxing style with an emphasis on movement and jabbing. While he may not possess the knockout power to engage in brawls at this level, his technical skills have proven effective in the ring. In contrast, Billiam Smith has recently showcased his prowess with impressive victories over Richard Riakporhe and Lawrence Okolie, demonstrating his evolution as a fighter and his readiness to compete at the highest level.
The upcoming clash between Chris Billiam Smith and Zurdo Ramirez promises to be a thrilling encounter with implications for the cruiserweight division. The strategic choice of Riyadh as the venue, the stacked undercard, and the contrasting styles of the two fighters all contribute to the anticipation surrounding this must-watch event. As the boxing world awaits the outcome of this showdown, one thing is certain – the Battle for Cruiserweight Supremacy is set to captivate fans and showcase the best that the sport has to offer.