In a highly anticipated cruiserweight unification bout, Chris Billam-Smith faced off against the formidable Gilberto Ramirez, with the WBO and WBA titles on the line. Former cruiserweight world champion and Sky Sports boxing expert, Johnny Nelson, provides a comprehensive analysis of the fight, highlighting the tactical missteps that ultimately led to Billam-Smith's unanimous decision defeat.

Missed Opportunity: Billam-Smith's Tactical Shortcomings

A Winnable Fight, Squandered

Nelson expressed his frustration with Billam-Smith's performance, stating that he believed the fight was "winnable" for the British boxer. Ramirez, while a skilled fighter, was not deemed "outstanding" by Nelson, who felt that Billam-Smith had the physical attributes and capabilities to overcome the Mexican champion.The former champion highlighted Billam-Smith's initial onslaught in the opening round, where he effectively used his physicality and jab to push Ramirez back and dictate the pace of the fight. This early dominance suggested that Billam-Smith had the tools to succeed, but as the fight progressed, he failed to maintain that aggressive approach.

Letting Ramirez Settle into a Rhythm

Nelson criticized Billam-Smith's decision to follow Ramirez around the ring instead of cutting him off and forcing the action. By allowing Ramirez to establish his rhythm, the Mexican fighter was able to start "pulling away" and gaining control of the fight.The former champion emphasized the importance of Billam-Smith using his physicality to his advantage, closing the distance and letting his shots go, particularly the left hook. However, as Ramirez settled into the fight, Billam-Smith's effectiveness diminished, and the Mexican champion began to assert his dominance.

The Dangers of a Reactive Approach

Nelson highlighted Billam-Smith's tendency to adopt a reactive approach, where he was content to "take a shot and give a shot" rather than focusing on head movement and defensive skills. This mindset, according to Nelson, was "madness" and played directly into Ramirez's strengths.The former champion stressed the importance of Billam-Smith learning to slip and counter the shots, rather than relying on his ability to withstand the punishment. This reactive approach, common among some Eastern European fighters, ultimately proved to be Billam-Smith's downfall, as Ramirez's consistency and skill allowed him to outwork the British boxer.

Missed Opportunities and Unfulfilled Potential

Despite Billam-Smith's initial success in the opening round, Nelson was left frustrated by the fighter's inability to maintain that level of performance throughout the fight. The former champion believed that Billam-Smith had the potential to beat Ramirez, as evidenced by his early dominance, but he ultimately "stepped off the gas" and allowed the Mexican champion to regain control.Nelson's analysis highlighted the tactical adjustments Billam-Smith could have made to capitalize on his physical advantages and disrupt Ramirez's rhythm. The former champion's disappointment stemmed from the belief that this was a "winnable fight" for the British boxer, and his failure to execute the necessary tactics was a missed opportunity to claim the unified cruiserweight titles.