Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith live online, round by round, stats and updates Riyadh Season Latino Night
Riyadh Season Latino Night
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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