Previewing Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez vs. Chris Billiam-Smith

By Amílcar Barnett, The Bronx, NY, USA-

Boxing awaits yet another world title unification fight set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez gears up for a pivotal showdown against WBO champion Chris Billiam-Smith. Set for November 16th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this “Latin Night” unification match is not just about belts; it represents a potential paradigm shift in the cruiserweight division. While Ramirez’s focus seems divided, with talk of his aspirations to face former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk in 2025, the challenge posed by Billiam-Smith cannot be underestimated.

Ramirez, boasting an impressive record of 46 wins (30 by knockout) and merely one loss, is at a critical juncture in his career. His hopes of stepping into the ring with Usyk—a matchup laden with both financial and legacy implications—could hinge on his performance against Billiam-Smith, a tough and battle-tested Englishman looking to establish himself as the best in the division. However, and despite discussing a potential move back down to cruiserweight, Usyk is currently fixated on his huge heavyweight rematch with another Englishman, Tyson Fury. The potential matchup adds a layer of complexity, if not wishful thinking, to Ramirez’s plans. The likelihood of Usyk returning to the cruiserweight division remains slim, yet the allure of facing such a significant opponent keeps Ramirez motivated.

Contrasting Styles: Ramirez vs. Billiam-Smith

Much attention is being paid to the stylistic dynamics of the upcoming fight. Ramirez has adapted his boxing style, opting for a more dynamic and strategic approach, which contrasts sharply with the traditional flat-footed aggression associated with his fighting style at 168 and at 175. Boxing pundit Sergio Mora has praised Ramirez’s evolution—suggesting that his newfound agility could be a decisive factor against Billiam-Smith, who tends to excel in a more static, punches-focused style.

Chris Billiam-Smith, holding a record of 20 wins (13 via knockout) and just one loss, is not to be taken lightly. His boxing ability and success is characterized by effective punching rather than elusive movement. Make no mistake, he presents a real test for Ramirez. With his average size for the division, Billiam-Smith might not possess the physical advantages that other opponents hold over Ramirez. However, his ability to deliver effective combinations while working from the close and mid-range makes the risk of being outworked a possibility

The importance of this fight extends beyond immediate victory; it lays the groundwork for future opportunities and legacy building. Oscar De La Hoya, Ramirez’ promoter, and a boxing icon himself, emphasized the exciting potential of the Ramirez vs. Billiam-Smith matchup, noting that a victory could elevate Ramirez’s status significantly. Consequently, both fighters are not just battling for titles but also positioning themselves within the division’s elite.

However, the concerns surrounding Ramirez’s recently adopted box-and-move more defensive style raise valid questions. Critics argue that while the strategy has worked against less formidable opponents, like Joe Smith Jr. it may falter against Billiam-Smith. In this contest, there does exist the possibility that an over-reliance on movement may allow a more aggressive Billiam-Smith to win important close rounds.

Training will also play a pivotal role for both boxers leading up to this unification fight. Ramirez’s camp will need to fine-tune his strategy and tactics, ensuring he can balance agility with power and combination punching effectively. Meanwhile, Billiam-Smith’s team must develop a plan to exploit gaps in Ramirez’s defenses, especially if the latter attempts to employ a box-and-move approach.

As the date draws near, anticipation builds for this clash of champions. The outcome of the Ramirez vs. Billiam-Smith bout will reverberate throughout the cruiserweight division and potentially impact the heavyweight landscape if Ramirez manages to secure a title defense or continues his quest for high-profile matchups. For boxing enthusiasts, this fight represents not merely an event but a focal point in a division that has been traditionally mostly overlooked in North America. It is a fight that could define the future trajectories of both fighters and the division. The stakes are high. The fighters, each with titles, and each representing two of the strongest boxing cultures in the world, England and México. With legacies and championships on the line, fans are in for a riveting spectacle come November 16.