The boxing world witnessed an electrifying night of matches that showcased both veteran skill and the fresh potential of rising stars. The anticipated bouts played out on a grand stage—the Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—where champions and challengers battled not only for titles but for pride and future opportunities. Among the fighters featured, WBA cruiserweight titleholder Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and #1 ranked lightweight contender William Zepeda stood out, with each delivering performances that had both their fans and critics weighing in.
In a highly competitive cruiserweight matchup, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, known for his relentless fighting style and agility, faced WBO champion Chris Billiam-Smith. Ramirez emerged victorious via unanimous decision after twelve rounds of intense action. With an impressive record of 47-1 and 30 KOs, Ramirez utilized his high-volume approach and superior mobility to keep Billiam-Smith at bay. At 33 years old, Ramirez’s experience proved invaluable, as he effectively dictated the pace and rhythm of the fight.
Billiam-Smith, possessing heavy hands and a track record of knockout power, struggled throughout the bout to counter Ramirez’s movement. This inability to keep pace with Ramirez, who consistently evaded incoming strikes and pressed forward with combinations, was a central theme of the fight. A notable moment occurred in the fourth round when Billiam-Smith sustained a cut, which was controversially ruled to be a result of a head clash, despite a clear indication that a punch may have caused the damage. Nevertheless, the fight was contentious, with scores reading 116-112, 116-112, and a closer 116-113.
Looking forward, Ramirez expressed his intention to face IBF champion Jai Opetaia in his next bout, while the prospect of unifying titles with WBC champion Noel Mikaelyan remains alive. Such matchups could offer a promising trajectory for Ramirez, aiming for undisputed status in the cruiserweight division.
In another thrilling contest, William Zepeda faced Tevin Farmer for the WBC interim 135-pound title. Zepeda, who holds an unblemished record of 32-0 with 27 KOs, won by a split decision in a fight that proved more arduous than anticipated. A key moment arose in round four when Farmer managed to score a flash knockdown, unexpectedly catching Zepeda with a well-timed left hand. Although the knockdown added tension to the fight, the overall narrative revealed a one-sided contest dominated by Zepeda’s high activity and relentless pressure.
Throughout the match, Farmer relied heavily on holding and clinching to disrupt Zepeda’s rhythm—an age-old tactic to steal rounds, particularly when faced with an onslaught of offense. Despite maintaining moments of resilience, Farmer’s strategy came off as desperate against Zepeda’s consistent flurries. The judges’ scorecards reflected this conflict: 95-94 in favor of Zepeda, with one judge controversially scoring it for Farmer. Zepeda’s upcoming matchup with WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson in February could potentially be a defining moment in his career, but doubts linger regarding Farmer’s ability to withstand the punishing shots he absorbed throughout the bout.
A less favorable night unfolded for Jose Ramirez, a former unified light welterweight champion, who was outclassed by the unbeaten Arnold Barboza Jr. in a WBO 140-pound title eliminator. Barboza showcased remarkable performance and technique, executing his spearing shots and combinations with precision, controlling the fight from start to finish. Although Ramirez sought to mount a late comeback, Barboza stood firm, neutralizing any resurgence with effective jabs.
The unanimous decision victory marked a significant affirmation of Barboza’s rising status, as Ramirez now faces questions about his future in the sport after suffering his second career loss. With memories of a previous defeat against Josh Taylor still fresh, Ramirez must evaluate his readiness to compete at a high level moving forward.
These bouts signify key moments in the fighters’ careers, illustrating the sport’s ever-shifting dynamics. For Ramirez and Zepeda, the results offered different windows for advancement within their respective weight classes—be it in title unifications or rising to elite competition. As the dust settles from this electrifying fight night, anticipation brews for what lies ahead for these competitors as they chase their championship dreams.