Gilberto Ramirez expects a ‘hard battle’ against Chris Billam-Smith

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez knows what’s at stake this Saturday night. “I’ve prepared for war and will leave everything I have in the ring,” the WBA cruiserweight champion said of his unification bout against WBO titleholder Chris “The Gentleman” Billam-Smith. “Chris has all my respect. He’s tough, and he brings his best every time.” 

Ramirez and Billam-Smith will meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the inaugural “Latino Night” in a 12-round main event, streaming live on DAZN.

Ramirez, 46-1 (30 KOs), will put his WBA title on the line, while Billam-Smith 20-1 (13 KOs) defends his WBO belt. Ramirez is 7-1 in world title fights, while Billam-Smith holds a 3-0 record in such bouts. Neither fighter has faced a common opponent, setting the stage for an unpredictable clash.

For Ramirez, this bout is a step toward his ultimate goal of unifying the cruiserweight division before moving up to heavyweight. “I’m focused on becoming undisputed world cruiserweight champion,” Ramirez said. The 32-year-old Mazatlan, Mexico native made history as the first Mexican to capture a world super middleweight title in 2016 and repeated the feat in the cruiserweight division last March, defeating Arsen “Feroz” Goulamirian in California. Another unification win would mark a new high for Mexican boxing.

Billam-Smith, respected for his power and tactical ring control, will bring his own challenges. “He uses his jab and footwork effectively,” Ramirez acknowledged. “I expect a hard battle.”