Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez produced a scintillating performance to comprehensively outpoint Chris Billam-Smith in last night’s spectacle, unifying the WBA and WBO world titles at cruiserweight.
Prior to their contest in Saudi Arabia, Malik Scott – the assistant trainer of Ramirez and head coach of Deontay Wilder – had labeled the fight a mismatch.
But then, Billam-Smith’s trainer, Shane McGuigan, swiftly hit back at these comments, while also questioning Scott’s credentials as a world class coach.
The American’s words, however, were ultimately proven to be true, with Zurdo utilizing his mesmerizing technical prowess to claim a wide unanimous decision victory over the Brit.
Gilberto Ramirez calls out IBF and Ring Magazine champion Jai Opetaia
Billam-Smith, who is known for his tremendous durability and work rate, refused to bow down to his opponent’s superior boxing skills.
Instead, the 34-year-old desperately tried to get a foothold in the one-sided fight, but nonetheless failed in his commendable effort.
Ramirez, meanwhile, had established his range and rhythm from the second round, creating angles with his fluid movement to land a series of sharp combinations.
In the end, the Mexican’s footwork proved to be a decisive factor, with Billam-Smith left unable to find an answer for his opponent’s frequent pivots at mid-range.
And so, after securing the 47th win of his decorated career, the former super middleweight champion expressed a desire to add more belts to his collection.
IBF and Ring Magazine champion Jai Opetaia was named in his post-fight interview, with Ramirez responding by entertaining the potential cruiserweight showdown.
Gilberto Ramirez must face Yuniel Dorticos before Jai Opetaia
Opetaia is widely regarded as the best fighter at 200 lbs, with his last outing against European champion Jack Massey ending in destructive fashion.
The Australian has, after all, become a frightening puncher in recent years, and would undoubtedly enter a unification against Ramirez as a strong favorite.
And yet, before landing a potential clash with Opetaia, Zurdo must first take care of business against WBA mandatory challenger Juniel Dorticos.
Since losing his IBF title to Mairis Briedis back in 2020, Dorticos has earned his number one position after amassing three stoppages – all of which ending inside three rounds.