Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith summary online, round by round, stats and highlights Riyadh Season Latino Night
El Zurdo unifies the cruiserweights
Gilberto Ramirez comprehensively beats Chris Billam-Smith to unify WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles
Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez delivered a commanding performance to defeat Chris Billam-Smith and unify the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles in Riyadh. From the opening bell, Ramirez used his sharp timing and fluid movement to dictate the pace, finding his mark with precision and gradually breaking down Billam-Smith's determined defense. The scorecards read 116-112, 116-112, and 116-113, capturing the Mexican fighter's dominance and his ability to control the exchanges from a distance.
For Billam-Smith, who entered the bout riding high on a recent string of victories - including a win over Richard Riakporhe - this loss marks a major setback. The Bournemouth native fought valiantly, often charging forward and trading heavy shots with Ramirez during the later rounds. Despite his relentless efforts to close the gap, Ramirez's skill and composure consistently won the exchanges. By the end, it was clear the Mexican champion's strategic approach and superior footwork had prevailed.
With this victory, Ramirez extends his record to 47-1, with his sole loss coming against Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight in 2022. His move up to cruiserweight has been nothing short of impressive, previously dethroning Arsen Goulamirian to claim the WBA title before tonight's unification feat. As the dust settles, talk of a future clash with IBF champion Jai Opetaia starts to swirl, potentially setting up another high-profile bout in the division.
For now, Ramirez stands as the division’s leading man, while Billam-Smith, who saw his record slip to 20-2, must regroup if he wishes to challenge for championship gold again. The fight underscored the depth of talent in the cruiserweight ranks and the enduring appeal of boxing's big-stage drama.
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Gilberto "El Zurdo" Ramirez wins by UD
The judges at ringside saw it as:
116-112
116-112
116-113
in a unanimous decision for Gilberto "El Zurdo" Ramirez, who now unifies the WBA and WBO Cruiserweight titles
What a great fight! Chris Billam Smith had his moments, but Zurdo Ramirez easily won that fight. I scored it 117-111 to Zurdo and I think that the three judges will confirm that.
The final round is - almost unbelievably - here. These two are both warriors!
Both men come to the center of the ring and Zurdo is holding on, knowing that CBS needs a knockout to win here. They trade shots in the middle of the ring and Zurdo is giving as good as he gets. This is a ton of heart from Billam Smith. He is blinded and bleeding, soundly beaten and he refuses to stop.
They trade uppercuts and both land left hooks. They are both teetering in the middle of the ring, exhausted.
The fight ends with them both trading hooks in the center of the ring.
Zurdo's footwork is back in action and he is quick and turning Billam Smith, jabbing away and landing shots. Zurdo sets up a one-two and after it lands, he throws it again. Zurdo is having his way with CBS here.
A sharp one-two from Billam Smith snaps Zurdo's head back. Now he has Zurdo backing away.
Billam Smith seems to have found a little bit of a second wind and comes out with a great right to the body that stuns Zurdo momentarily. CBS comes back with two great left hands and Zurdo is not in trouble but is not able to put anything together here.
In the waning seconds of the round, Billam Smith lands a nice uppercut.
A stinging left hand lands on the the chin of Billam Smith and his legs look very unsteady. Zurdo unloads with another left and somehow CBS is still standing!
A beautiful counter left by Zurdo snaps Billam Smith's head back. They are both throwing and hacking away at each other but Zurdo is getting the better of the situation.
That work that Zurdo did to the body is about to pay off. Billam Smith can't take much more.
Zurdo is pounding away and CBS is looking exhausted and slow.Those shots are all finding their home now and as Zurdo lets his hands fly more freely, CBS is in dire straits!
As the round starts, time is called and a doctor takes a look at the cut on Billam Smith's eye. They let the fight continue and Zurdo goes onto the attack immediately. A great one-two lands clean. CBS is knackered!
The footwork has slowed by both fighters but by CBS much more noticeably.
As CBS goes in for a right hand, Zurdo catches him with a counter left that stops the attack in its tracks.
Billam Smith ups his workrate but Zurdo catches him with a right uppercut and CBS looks buzzed! He is getting caught with everything right now!
Zurdo is working the body and CBS is looking worn out!
That eye is now cut and bleeding and Billam Smith is not in a good way here.
Billam Smith is trying to guage the distance, using that jab more to paw than to snap and Zurdo is coming in low to make him pay to the body. CBS needs to snap that jab out more and really use it to take Zurdo's vision and set up something else.
Billam Smith's eye is swelling now and Zurdo is having some success in close. Those shots to the bread basket are going to come good as the fight wears on.
As the bell goes, Zurdo catches CBS with a huge left hand.
Billam Smith snaps out a stiff jab that catches Zurdo on the bounce to start things off. Zurdo is doing a better job of staying on the move this round, turning CBS, getting in and out.
They both come in close and Zurdo lands a lovely combination with a jab and hook downstairs followed by an uppercut to the chin.
A right hook from Zurdo really does some damage to Billam Smith! He covers but is taking a ton of punishment here!
Both come out wary of the other, having felt a sample of their opponent's power in those opening rounds. CBS is working better behind that jab and keeping Zurdo off balance. A peach of a left hook catches Zurdo and stuns him. The battle of the front feet is in full effect and Billam Smith is using it to his advantage right now.
In the final seconds of the round, Zurdo lands a thumping left hand that snaps CBS's head back.
CBS taps Zurdo with a jab and then follows it with a nice right to the body. Zurdo comes back with his own shot downstairs and lands solidly.
Zurdo comes around the guard with a right hook and Billam Smith answers with a nice right of his own.
A short left snaps Zurdo's head to the side. That was a great shot!
Both men come out and take the center of the ring. Zurdo as his name suggests, works from the southpaw stance, while CBS works orthodox.
Billam Smith lands a heavy right hand and Zurdo is shaken early! CBS jumps on him and lands another and then a left hook and Zurdo is all out of sorts!
The clinch and Zurdo tries to get that jab working but is having trouble establishing himself. He manages to land a solid left hand but Billam Smith walks straight through it.
Gilberto Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith [WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles]
And now the main event! Two great cruiserweight champions will fight to unite their belts, as Gilberto "El Zurdo" Ramirez takes on "Gentleman" Chris Billam-Smith. On the line are the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles.
Arnold Barboza Jr wins by UD
The judges at ringside saw it as:
97-93
96-94
96-94
all for Arnold Barboza Jr. in a unanimous decison.
I think that Barboza won this fight. I didn't actually score it myself, but my feeling is that Barboza won both the opening and late rounds, and while Ramirez did very well in the middle rounds, he will have fallen just short.
Ramirez is trying to stay on top of Barboza in this final round and he really needs to. Barboza is doing an excellent job of moving around the outside, twisting away when he gets caught on the ropes, and frustrating Ramirez.
At the halfway point in the round, Ramirez is clearly running out of ideas as he tries yet again to bully Barboza on to the ropes and finds himself punching thin air.
As we enter the final 20 seconds you get the feeling that Ramirez needs something huge, and as he goes for it Barboza lands two straight right hands that buckle Ramirez’s knees.
The two fighters come out and trade body shots to start the round. The pace has slowed slightly and Barboza looks to be far more comfortable working at this pace. Ramirez had far more success when he pressed the issue with a bit more urgency.
A nice right hook by Ramirez catches Barboza on the ropes. Ramirez feels emboldened it comes forward throwing that right hand. Barboza throws a beautiful counter jab allowing him to escape to his left.
Barboza is doing a magnificent job of using every square inch of this ring and forcing Ramirez to follow him.
Ramirez seems to have taken the view that work rate is his friend and keeps throwing his hands quite freely. Barboza counters with a very nice right hand but the assault continues.
At the halfway point the momentum shifts and Barboza tries to come forward, forcing Ramirez to be the counterpuncher, a role that he gladly takes on.
Ramirez comes out and it looks like he's been shaken and woken up. He's putting together combination after combination, punches in bunches, and that is exactly what he needs to do to keep Barboza from setting up his counter shots.
A beautiful double uppercut to the body Ramirez is followed by an overhand right. This is a nice round for Ramirez.
But Barboza is never out and he comes back now with a very nice one two.
In the waning seconds of the round, Barboza comes to life and lands a nice body shot.
Barboza opens with a nice left hook followed by a triple jab and that really breaks the rhythm of Ramirez.
Ramirez is still trying to force the issue and Barboza is working really well off the back foot, waiting for the shot to come, stepping back, coming back in and landing that lovely uppercut.
Barboza is really in control of this fight, using that jab nicely to control the distance and pace of the fight.
Right on the bell Barboza lands a beautiful stiff jab that sets up that backhand right snapping Ramirez’s head back.
Ramirez has upped his work rate and is throwing more freely, backing Barboza onto the ropes. A huge right hand catches Barboza cleanly! That was the best shot of the fight so far!
Barboza comes back with a one-two and pushes Ramirez back into the center of the ring.
A nice stiff jab from Ramirez snaps Barboza’s head back, but Barboza comes back with a great uppercut to end the round.
Ramirez comes out trying to stake out the center of the ring, doing a little bit better at flicking out that jab. He's still having trouble pinning Barboza down when he gets him onto the ropes. Barboza is just so slippery and able to move out and generally to his right. Ramirez needs to catch on to that and throw that left hook.
Ramirez is throwing too many feints and not enough jabs. It's understandable that he's wary of what's coming back, but if he keeps doing it this way, he'll find this fight slipping away from him very quickly.
Ramirez throws a very nice overhand right but Barboza answers directly with a short left hand.
Both fighters are very wary of the other Ramirez the ex-world champion is always dangerous when he pushes you back he's quite bullish with his work whereas Barboza is undefeated and rightfully so.
They both keep very wide stances. Every time Ramirez tries to bully Barboza into the corner or against the ropes that wide stance allows him to slide out to the right or left.
Barboza is doing a very nice job working behind his jab, staying mobile, staying off the ropes. They trade jabs in the final ten seconds and Ramirez throws a big overhand left right on the bell.
Barboza's little bit more active in this round throwing that jab and feinting with his right hand. It's really keeping Ramirez off balance.
Both men are a little bit wary of going all out tapping the jab and throw in in the odd combo. A nice left hook from Ramirez pushes Barboza backwards.
Both fighters work orthodox and Ramirez is trying to force the issue with quick jabs and early combinations, reversing that one-two and working that straight left hand. Barboza is moving well, keeping his head about him and answering back with that wide, winging left hook.
A three punch combo at the bell from Barboza lands and sends Ramirez tumbling against the ropes.
Jose Ramirez vs Arnold Barboza Jr [super lightweight]
We now move on to the co-main event as Jose Ramirez takes on Arnold Barboza Jr at super lightweight.
Both men are Americans of Mexican descent, both from California, and former unified world champion Ramirez at 29-1 is facing his counterpart in Barboza at 30-0
William Zepeda is now the WBC Interim Lightweight World Champion.
AND THE NEW: William Zepeda wins by SD
The judges saw it as:
95-94 Zepeda
95-94 Farmer
95-94 Zepeda
with a split decision for William Zepeda. I can't argue with that, it was a great fight.
That fight was a close as you can imagine and it can go either way. I scored it 95-94 for Farmer, but given that this is Latino Night, I feel like some of those close rounds may have gone Zepeda's way on the judges cards.
The final round and Farmer comes out with that left hand but Zepeda keeps coming in and Farmer catches him with a counter left. Another left from Farmer and Zepeda is in trouble here! A huge left and Zepeda stumbles under the onslaught!
Zepeda gets back inside but Farmer tries to push him out and set up that left again. Zepeda pushes back in and catches Farmer with a great uppercut.
The round ends with a flurry from Farmer.
Zepeda is landing those shots inside and they are really doing damage now. The punch output is incredible!
Farmer tries to get out of trouble and lands a huge power jab that stumbles Zepeda backwards. Farmer needs to do more of that.
Zepeda is aggressive but Farmer is quick and lands a counter left that snaps Zepeda's head back. Another shot dodged from Zepeda and another left hand landed by Farmer, but it doesn't have any of the sting that he carried in the early rounds.
Farmer is now moving well, looking like he maybe caught his breath in that last round. Zepeda is trying to get in close and mix it with him but Farmer is doing a good job of poking that jab out and keeping Zepeda at distance.
Zepeda manages to get in close and keeps those heavy shots to the midsection coming. Farmer is feeling those!
Zepeda is staying tight but Farmer manages to get outside and jab well to end the round.
Farmer is looking very tired here and is trying to hold on for dear life. He is out front right now, but without a second wind, Zepeda is going to take him out. Farmer is flagging and Zepeda is growing in confidence and activity.
Farmer throws a flurry of shots when they are in close and manages to back Zepeda up and create a bit of space. Farmer throws another stinger of a left right on the bell and that may have been enough to give him the round.
Both fighters are trading jabs in the center of the ring and Farmer lands another clean left hand. Zepeda takes it well, but is having trouble forcing Farmer onto the ropes and into the kind of battle that he wants.
Finally those short shots to the body begin to pay dividends for Zepeda as Farmer's legs are looking shakier, more slow, and he is looking a little tired now.
This is a good round for Zepeda.
Farmer starts off with that same counter left hand and it draws a gasp from the crowd. Farmer has blunted Zepeda's attack, punching with him, standing his ground and has found money with that left hand.
They come in close and Zepeda is landing more shots now but Farmer is still finding his mark with that left hand. As Farmer stays in close too long, Zepeda begins to get back into his groove with high punch output. As the round ends, Farmer gets distance and lands a one-two solidly.
Farmer comes out with a huge left hand and Zepeda is slowed a little bit, but not too much. As Zepeda comes back in, Farmer lands another left hand on the button! Zepeda goes down! That is huge!
Zepeda needs to get into this fight in a big way because this could be a 10-8 round and Farmer could suddenly be in the driving seat!
Farmer is now working his plan, on the back foot and making Zepeda look off balance.
Zepeda comes out working fast, really trying to establish that style of just blitzing his opponent. Farmer is most definitely on the back foot here, but not by choice.
A nice left uppercut from Zepeda lands in the midsection of Farmer.
A big left catches Zepeda but doesn't slow him down any. Farmer needs to get that jab back into action.
A huge left hand from Farmer lands clean and Zepeda is not happy about that at all. Zepeda is being forced to jab, to stick and move.
Zepeda wants to work in close and he backs Farmer onto the ropes, but it is difficult to get your shots away when Farmer grabs on and turns out of trouble.
Zepeda comes back with a great three punch combo and catches Farmer flush with a right hook on the chin.
The work rate has really been upped by Zepeda.
Both fighters are southpaws and they come out working in two different styles. Zepeda loves to work close and throw a lot of punches, while Farmer works better on the back foot as a counter puncher.
Farmer sticks that jab into Zepeda's snout and moves away to the right. Zepeda is trying to get his punches together but finding it hard to hit a slippery opponent.
A nice jab from Zepeda lands.
William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer [lightweight]
Now a great showdown at lightweight as William Zepeda takes on former world champion Tevin Farmer. Mexico's Zepeda is 31-0 while the USA's Farmer is 33-6-1.
This bout is scheduled for ten rounds.
That is the first time that Freshmart has ever been stopped, his first career loss and what a statement by Collazo!
Collazo wins by TKO
Freshmart is covering up and still looks shaky. Collazo catches him with a right hook and Freshmart goes down again! He is unsteady and in real bother here!
He beats the count and stays covered up and Collazo lands another huge right hook and Freshmart goes down again! The referee immediately waves the fight off! That is it!
Collazo is in control of the pace and Freshmart is waiting on that counter punch, and it eventually comes halfway through the round, as he delivers a stiff right hand. This induces Collazo to up his work rate and he begins to land solid body shots. As Freshmart comes in for a shot, Collazo times a perfect right hook that landed right on the chin! Freshmart goes down! He is shaken! Freshmart beats the count but is saved by the bell.
Collazo comes in with a two shot combo followed by a peach of a left uppercut. Freshmart tries to open up a little with his hands, but Collazo is outpunching him nearly two to one.
Winging in around the elbows, Collazo lands four nice hooks on Freshmart.
Freshmart comes forward and lands a nice right hand but looks all out of balance. Collazo comes forward and presses the issue and Freshmart invests in working the body while Collazo brings his work in closer, narrowing the range and the fight begins to heat up a bit more now.
Collazo is controlling the distance and pace of this fight well, keeping it at a distance and working that jab. Freshmart is trying to get involved but is more comfortable waiting for the counter shot and Collazo is unwilling to be baited.
Collazo ups his work rate, doubling up the jab and following with the right hand. Freshmart is put off a little, looking for that single shot and being forced onto the back foot.
In the final minute, Freshmart looks to have warmed into the fight and opens up with a nice three-punch combo.
Collazo come out working southpaw and Freshmart is working orthodox. They both probe each other, single jabs and circling the center of the ring.
The real battle in these southpaw/orthodox bouts is always about the front foot and they are both just working straight ahead, not really looking to focus on their footwork as yet.
The round ends as it began, with single shots, no flurries.
Oscar Collazo vs Thammanoon Niyomtrong [WBO minimumweight title]
Now a unification bout as Oscar Collazo takes on Thammanoon Niyomtrong, known professionally as Knockout CP Freshmart, for the WBO minimumweight title.
Puerto Rico's Collazo is 10-0 with seven KOs while Thailand's Freshmart is hugely experienced at 25-0 with nine KOs. This is a twelve-round contest.
Oscar Duarte wins by UD
The judges at ringside saw this as:
98-92
97-93
96-94
all for the winner by unanimous decision, Oscar Duarte. I won't argue it, but I feel that those cards are waaaaayyyy too wide.
I did not score that fight myself and I am unwilling to pick a winner. They both fought like warriors and it was soooooo close.
If I am pressed, I might lean EVER SO SLIGHTLY toward Akhmedov, but not enough to put my money where my mouth is.
The final round and this is as even as you can imagine. Whoever wins this round, could win the fight.
Akhmedov is mobile, moving around the ring with a little more purpose, and Duarte is having trouble cutting the ring off.
Duarte is continuing too throw shots but Akhmedov is more content to use his defense. They clinch with a minute to go and that, believe it or not, is the first clinch of the fight. They are broken apart by the referee and they go back to standing in the center of the ring and trading.
Duarte is now beginning to follow Akhmedov as he moves around to the left and that is neutralizing a lot of those shots from that hand. Akhmedov is still working at a higher rate, but Duarte is looking like he has perhaps a bit more of a second wind than his opponent.
They trade hooks, both landing and it draws a gasp of appreciation from the crowd. In the final ten seconds, Duarte opens up with his hands and lands a spectacular left hook.
Akhmedov comes out looking as if he had recomposed himself, but Duarte lands a right that buckles his knees for a moment. Both of these fighters revert to punching when they are hurt and this just starts off a frame of trading, Akhmedov trying to punch his way out of trouble and Duarte trying to make him pay for it. Neither will back down and this is another round of war fought at close range.
Duarte has renewed life in him and is back to throwing his hands freely. Akhmedov is still trying to stay mobile, but it feels more frantic now, less smooth.
Duarte lands a chopping right hand and another, and then another. He is staying on the front foot here and now it is Akhmedov who looks to be struggling for air, fighting with his mouth wide open.
Akhmedov is mobile at the start of this round, but Duarte is adding in that left hook to stop that movement to that side which is the natural movement of a southpaw fighter.
Duarte is showing signs of fatigue here. Akhmedov is dancing around but then out of nowhere a huge right hand from Duarte! And Akhmedov is hurt! That was a great moment as the round ended from Duarte! In a round that he was losing, he stamped some authority with a last second shot!
Neither man is willing to back down and so far it is a pick-em fight. They are almost mirror images of each other. Akhmedov is a little more active this round than Duarte and that might be the decider: work rate.
Duarte is not sitting around doing nothing though, he is answering shot for shot and they are hard, thumping blows. But Akhmedov is dictating the flow right now.
Duarte comes out like a rocket in the fourth and stuns Akhmedov briefly, but he recovers quickly and the war settles back into its normal state of attrition.
Akhmedov lands a nice left and Duarte answers back with a beautiful uppercut. They are just slugging away and there is no clear division between them.
For the first time in the fight, Duarte is able to back Akhmedov up in this opening minute, but the Uzbek uses Duarte's aggression against him, countering nicely with a great right hook and turning the tide somewhat. Akhmedov lands a huge one-two and Duarte stumbles backward.
There has yet to be a clinch in this bout. Both men are simply throwing hands when they get close.
Both men come out and meet in the center of the ring, both more open with their shots, letting their hands go a bit more. Akhmedov comes forward and Duarte trades back. They almost mirror each other in their shots and aggression.
Duarte lands a big left hook while Akhmedov answers back with a beautiful right uppercut to the body.
Akhmedov works southpaw which could create fireworks of its own, and Duarte is a bit wary of diving in there too quickly. They both meet in the middle of the ring and probe with the jabs, trying to find a way in.
A nice right hook from Akhmedov finds its way around Duarte's guard. The Mexican responds with a nice four-punch combo: left uppercut, right hook, overhand left, straight right.
Oscar Duarte vs Botirzhon Akhmedov [super lightweight]
This could be the best matchup of the undercard as Oscar Duarte takes on Botirzhon Akhmedov at super lightweight. Mexican-American Duarte is 27-2-1 while his opponent, Russian-Uzbek Akhmedov is 10-3-0.
This bout is scheduled to go ten rounds.
Was Garcia done dirty?
I kind of felt like he might have nicked it. Not mad at the draw but maybe a little harsh on Garcia.
Majority Draw
The judges at ringside saw the fight as:
58-56 Almaayouf
57-57 Draw
57-57 Draw
That was a majority draw and is probably a fair view of the fight.
This fight felt very even, and while I didn't score it myself, it was frustratingly 50-50. Zizo should have walked through that bout easily. Garcia is a tough nut to crack and he may have done enough.
And that in itself speaks volumes about both men.
The final round and Garcia still looks a little buzzed from that shot. His eyes are a little glazed. Zizo doesn't need to knock him out but he should stay on his wheels and jab away.
A great combination from Zizo finds its spot and he looks good for a moment, but he is too keen to trade with Garcia and he pays the price when a right hand from the Mexican lands flush.
Garcia jumps on the opportunity and peppers the Saudi. With a minute to go, it looks as if Zizo wakes up and gets back to work, landing some nice combinations of his own.
This fight has just about gotten away from Zizo here, and he needs to stop dropping rounds here. Right now.
He is fighting Garcia's fight and he needs to start dictating the fight himself. Going in close, allowing Garcia range to throw those chopping shots, is just unnecessary. Zizo needs to get back and work the jab. His corner is screaming at him to "Get out of there!" He needs to listen to them.
Zizo begins to back away and that opens up a gap where he lands a big left hook. He needs to do that more. Use your legs and the ring to your advantage.
A huge right cross from Zizo right on the bell looks to have Garcia buzzed. That was great.
Garcia is reverting to that Mexican style, marching forward, staying low, winging in wide shots, but they are landing. Zizo hasn't yet figured out that he needs to outbox Garcia rather than out punch him.
Zizo trys to get his jab working but Garcia is coming in close and trying to tie him up, landing a nice tap to the head before a left hook digs at his body.
A straight right hand splits Zizo's guard and catches him flush on the nose.
Garcia has grown in confidence and is beginning to break Zizo down. This is shocking really. Zizo was the heavy favorite coming into this fight.
Garcia lands a good one-two to set up another right hand, but Zizo responds with a lovely left hook that stops the attack. Another outstanding left hook snaps Garcia's head around. Garcia is stunned and Zizo lands another left hook! That is his money shot and he needs to work that more.
Garcia comes out throwing his hands, everything is coming in wide and trying to set up a big overhand right. Zizo stays compact and keeps his shots inside, but Garcia manages to land one of those overhand rights that he has been looking for.
Zizo gets back to his jab and slowing Garcia down. Just as he was looking like taking control, Garcia lands that right hand again! That was a big one!
Garcia comes in with an uppercut overhand right combo that lands flush right on the bell.
The fight gets underway with both working orthodox and Zizo throws some stiff jabs, spiteful shots, and working well off of that. He is not interested in covering up very much, but so far there is little need to. Garcia is coming straight forward and scrapping up close.
A big roundhouse right hook comes around Zizo's guard, that was a nice shot by Garcia.
Garcia begins to work the body as the round closes forcing Zizo to cover up more.
Ziyad Almaayouf vs Juan Garcia [welterweight]
The card is ready to get started with a welterweight contest between Ziyad Almaayouf and Juan Garcia. Almaayouf is a Saudi fighter with a 6-0 record and he is taking on Mexican fighter Garcia who is 5-6 professionally. This bout is scheduled for six rounds.
Minimumweight unification
As Oscar Collazo and Thammanoon Niyomtrong prepare to clash in the ring, fight fans are in for a showdown that promises to electrify Riyadh's Kingdom Arena. This bout isn't just about belts but also marks the unification of the WBA and WBO minimumweight titles, a chance for both fighters to etch their dominance in a historically competitive weight class.
Collazo, the younger Puerto Rican fighter at 27, has built an impressive reputation since his pro debut in 2020. With a record of 10-0, including seven knockouts, he brings ferocity and a southpaw stance to the ring. His recent victory over Gerardo Zapata showcased his ability to outbox and outmaneuver opponents over the distance, proving that he's more than just a knockout artist. Each fight reveals his hunger and precision; victories over notable foes like Melvin Jerusalem, whom he stopped with a seventh-round TKO, have solidified his standing as the top-ranked minimumweight according to The Ring.
In contrast, Thammanoon Niyomtrong, also known as Knockout CP Freshmart, boasts an unblemished record of 25-0. The 34-year-old from Thailand has defended his WBA title with steady confidence and tactical prowess. Niyomtrong's style may not be about flashy finishes - only nine of his wins come by knockout - but his ring IQ and experience, with over 200 professional rounds under his belt, make him a formidable challenge. His recent majority decision over Alex Winwood in September demonstrates that even after a brief layoff, he remains sharp and hard to beat.
Their clash represents more than just two undefeated champions vying for supremacy; it's a contrast of youth and experience, power versus finesse, and a stylistic mix of southpaw aggression against orthodox discipline. Collazo's reach advantage and younger legs may allow him to control the pace, but Niyomtrong's calm, measured approach and deep well of experience could make this a tactical chess match until the final bell.
For fans, this fight is a reminder that even at 105 pounds, heart and skill can make for a spectacle as grand as any heavyweight clash. As the main event of an evening packed with top-tier fights, it is a testament to the vibrant talent in boxing's lighter divisions.
The Full Card
Gilberto Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith [WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles]
Jose Ramirez vs Arnold Barbosa Jr [super lightweight]
Oscar Collazo vs Thammanoon Niyomtrong [WBO minimumweight title]
William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer [lightweight]
Oscar Duarte vs Botirzhon Akhmedov [super lightweight]
Ziyad Almaayouf vs Juan Garcia [welterweight]
The main undercard is set to get underway at 12pm ET / 9am PT.
Tale of the tape
Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez
Current WBA Cruiserweight World Champion
Age: 33
Country: Mexico
Stance: Southpaw
Height: 6ft 2.5in
Reach: 75”
Record: 46-1-0
Chris Billam-Smith
Current WBO Cruiserweight World Champion
Age: 34
Country: United Kingdom
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 6ft 3in
Reach: 75”
Record: 20-1-0
WELCOME!!!
Welcome to Diario AS USA’s live coverage of Riyadh Season’s much anticipated Latino Night, headlined by the cruiserweight unification bout between Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and Chris Billam-Smith from the Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The sands of Riyadh are ready to rumble once more, but this time under the banner of Latino pride. Saturday’s Riyadh Season Latino Night is more than just another glitzy chapter in Saudi Arabia’s boxing experiment - it's a celebration of Latin American fighters who carry not just skills, but centuries of culture and passion into the ring. The organizers, already known for pushing boundaries in the sport, have partnered with Golden Boy Promotions to bring this unique showcase to the global stage. Latin warriors under the bright lights and searing pressure of Saudi Arabia - this is what it looks like when the stakes of boxing meet the rhythms of Latino heritage.
Tonight’s main event is a clash of styles and a battle for cruiserweight supremacy. Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez, a towering presence in the ring with an impressive 46-1 record, takes center stage. The Mexican fighter, whose fists have silenced 30 opponents by knockout, steps into this bout with fire. Ramirez may have tasted defeat once, courtesy of Dmitry Bivol in a bruising light-heavyweight contest, but he returns with a determination forged from lessons learned. Ramirez knows what’s at stake. “I’m really excited to be here, to be a part of the Latino night,” he says, brimming with purpose. “I will become the first Mexican cruiserweight unified champion. It’s exciting because my dream will come true [tonight].”
His opponent, the rugged and unrelenting Chris Billam-Smith, is not one for fairytale endings that don’t star him. The WBO cruiserweight champion and Boxxer fighter hails from the UK but comes to Riyadh ready to spoil the Latino fiesta. “This opportunity for me is huge,” Billam-Smith declares. "I’ve been written off many times before... I was going into [Riakporhe's] backyard... and I went and spoiled the party." His confidence isn’t just talk; it’s experience. When Billam-Smith steps into the ring, he brings a career forged in tough bouts and hard-fought victories. On a night meant for Latin triumph, he plans to crash the celebrations with his own gloves.
Yet, tonight's show isn't only about the main event. An all-Latino undercard sets the tone for the evening, each bout promising fire and flair. These undercard fights matter; they carry a weight that goes beyond wins and losses. For many fighters, this is their moment to prove themselves on a massive stage, in front of a global audience. Young prospects, battle-hardened veterans, and rising stars - each of them walks to the ring bearing stories of sacrifice, hope, and ambition, stories that are echoed by their fans across continents. From Mexico to Argentina, Puerto Rico to Colombia, the flags will wave, and the chants will roar.
In a sport so often fractured by national divides and promotional skirmishes, Riyadh Season Latino Night brings a unifying element: Latin identity under the spotlight. Fighters like Ramirez and the warriors on the undercard carry a collective pride. They step into the ring not just as individuals but as symbols of their communities, their families, and their nations.
As the night unfolds in Saudi Arabia, boxing fans around the globe will tune in to see the punches fly and dreams realized or shattered. In the end, it’s more than a fight - it’s a celebration of everything that makes boxing a brutal, beautiful dance.
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