In a highly anticipated cruiserweight unification bout, WBA champion Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramírez will face off against WBO titleholder Chris "The Gentleman" Billam-Smith on November 16th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The main event, streamed live on DAZN, promises to be a thrilling clash between two of the division's top contenders as they vie for the coveted title of undisputed cruiserweight champion.

Unifying the Cruiserweight Throne: A Mexican Trailblazer's Quest

Ramírez's Rise to Cruiserweight Dominance

Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramírez, the 33-year-old southpaw from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, has already etched his name in the history books as the first-ever Mexican cruiserweight champion. His journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. After capturing the WBO super middleweight title in 2016, Ramírez made five successful title defenses before moving up to the light heavyweight division, where he reeled off five consecutive knockout victories. However, his lone loss to the formidable Dmitry Bivol prompted Ramírez to make the leap to the cruiserweight ranks, a decision that has proven to be a masterstroke.In March of this year, Ramírez claimed the WBA cruiserweight title with a dominant, one-sided unanimous decision victory over the previously undefeated Arsen "Feroz" Goulamirian. This triumph not only solidified his status as a two-division world champion but also cemented his place as a force to be reckoned with in the cruiserweight division.

Billam-Smith's Ascent to the WBO Throne

Hailing from Bournemouth, Dorset, in the United Kingdom, Chris "The Gentleman" Billam-Smith has carved out his own path to the top of the cruiserweight ranks. The 34-year-old orthodox fighter has won 11 consecutive bouts, including a 12-round unanimous decision victory over the previously undefeated Richard Riakporhe to avenge his only professional loss. Billam-Smith's crowning achievement came in May 2023 when he captured the WBO cruiserweight title with a 12-round majority decision triumph over the unbeaten Lawrence Okolie.Billam-Smith's impressive resume, which also includes an eighth-round technical knockout win over Mateusz Masternak, has solidified his status as a formidable champion. However, the upcoming clash with Ramírez will undoubtedly be the toughest test of his career as he looks to defend his title and unify the division.

A Clash of Styles and Ambitions

The contrast in styles between Ramírez and Billam-Smith promises to make for a captivating encounter. Ramírez, known for his technical prowess and punching power, will look to utilize his southpaw stance and superior skills to outmaneuver and overwhelm his opponent. Meanwhile, Billam-Smith, the self-proclaimed "Gentleman," will aim to use his physicality and relentless pressure to wear down the Mexican champion.Both fighters have expressed their eagerness to unify the cruiserweight division, with Ramírez stating, "This is what it should be like in this sport, with one champion fighting another champion." The winner of this bout will undoubtedly take a significant step towards becoming the undisputed cruiserweight king, a title that has eluded both men thus far.

Ramírez's Promotional Ventures and Gym Ownership

Gilberto Ramírez's ambitions extend far beyond the confines of the boxing ring. The Mexican champion has established his own promotional company, Zurdo Promotions, which has already promoted several boxing events and signed numerous up-and-coming prospects, including undefeated super lightweight Carlos Nava, super middleweight Darius "DFG" Fulghum, super flyweight John "Scrappy" Ramirez, and light heavyweight Kareem Hackett.Furthermore, Ramírez has become a principal member of 3 Point Management (3PM), which opened the state-of-the-art Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood, California, in May 2021. This cutting-edge facility serves as Ramírez's training base, where he prepares for his fights under the guidance of head trainer Julian Chua, former heavyweight contender Malik Scott, and strength and conditioning coach Chris Wong.Ramírez's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the sport extend beyond his own career, as he continues to invest in the next generation of boxing talent and provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive.

The Saudi Arabian Debut and Unification Aspirations

The upcoming cruiserweight unification bout between Ramírez and Billam-Smith will mark the first time either fighter has competed in Saudi Arabia. For Ramírez, this represents an exciting new frontier, as he looks to showcase his skills on the global stage and further cement his legacy as one of the sport's premier cruiserweights."It will be a pleasure to fight there," Ramírez said of the Riyadh venue. "I have never fought in Saudi Arabia. I am looking forward to seeing their culture and meeting people. This will be a massive fight, and many fans are traveling there to watch our fight."With the WBC and IBF cruiserweight titles still up for grabs, the winner of this clash will undoubtedly have their sights set on becoming the undisputed champion of the division. Ramírez, in particular, has expressed his desire to achieve this feat, stating, "Eventually, I want to be the undisputed cruiserweight champion."As the boxing world eagerly awaits the showdown between Ramírez and Billam-Smith, the stage is set for a thrilling battle that will have significant implications for the future of the cruiserweight landscape.