Ramirez Wants Opetaia Unification After Beating Billam-Smith
In an action-packed cruiserweight unification, WBA champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 31KO) took the WBO title away from “The Gentleman” Billam-Smith (20-2, 13KO) by unanimous decision.
The Gentleman came out in attack mode and jumped on the Mexican with a barrage of shots to the body and head. He even found a home for the straight right hand as Ramirez stood in the pocket.
Yet, Zurdo quickly turned it around by using the angles to land hard body shots and the straight left hand. He landed several counters that busted open the face of Billam-Smith.
In the middle rounds, Billam-Smith picked up the pace and started throwing combination punches. Ramirez came firing back with laser left-hand shots, taking advantage of the WBO champion’s lack of head movement.
As the fight continued, Zurdo’s left hand couldn’t miss as he targeted the cut over Billam-Smith’s right eye. The footwork, speed, defense, and combination punches were too much for the Brit.
The judges scored it 116-113 and 116-113 twice. It was advertised the winner would face IBF champion Jai Opetaia next. Let’s see if Golden Boy’s Oscar De La Hoya and Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn can work together to make it happen.
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