Ramirez vs Billam-Smith - LIVE!
Chris Billam-Smith fell short in his bid to become unified cruiserweight world champion as Gilberto Ramirez added the WBA belt to his collection.
On what was the biggest night of Billam-Smith’s career, he made a fast start in Riyadh and was on top in the opening round, landing a succession of right hands and raising the prospect that his natural size advantage could prove a real problem for Ramirez. But the Mexican swiftly moved into the box seat, catching Billam-Smith clean on a regular basis as a cut opened up on the Briton’s noise and then a more serious one above his left eye.
The accuracy and timing of Ramirez was relentless and Billam-Smith could not respond, for all he was incredibly brave in continuing to march forward and exchange at close range. He heard the final bell in a gruelling fight but the result was not in doubt, the judges scoring it 116-112, 116-112 and 116-113 in Ramirez’s favour as the WBO champion took hom Billam-Smith’s WBA strap.
Gilberto Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith latest news
- Gilberto Ramirez beats Chris Billam-Smith on points
- Arnold Barboza Jr wins chief support
- William Zepeda edges decision win over Tevin Farmer
- Oscar Collazo unifies at 105lbs
- Oscar Duarte wins thrilling undercard bout
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23:53 , Matt VerriChris Billam-Smith fell short in his bid to become unified cruiserweight world champion as Gilberto Ramirez added the WBA belt to his collection.
On what was the biggest night of Billam-Smith’s career, he made a fast start in Riyadh and was on top in the opening round, landing a succession of right hands and raising the prospect that his natural size advantage could prove a real problem for Ramirez.
But the Mexican swiftly moved into the box seat, catching Billam-Smith clean on a regular basis as a cut opened up on the Briton’s noise and then a more serious one above his left eye by the end of the sixth round. The referee called the doctor to have a close inspection, but Billam-Smith was allowed to continue.
The accuracy and timing of Ramirez was relentless and Billam-Smith, even if at no point did a stoppage feel imminent, could not respond, for all he was incredibly brave in continuing to march forward and exchange at close range.
He heard the final bell in a gruelling fight, the pair standing in the centre of the ring for the final 30 seconds and throwing everything at each other, but the result was not in doubt.
Ramirez the worthy winner...
23:25 , Matt VerriA former super-middleweight world champion, now unified champion at cruiserweight.
Incredible career Ramirez has had, now 47-1. Dmitry Bivol the only man to beat him.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭...
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 16, 2024
Zurdo Ramirez unifies the WBO & WBA cruiserweight titles 🇲🇽🏆#ZurdoBillamSmith x #LatinoNight | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/fQcYB1Sdni
Unanimous decision for Ramirez!
23:20 , Matt Verri116-112. 116-112. 116-113.
Ramirez is unified champion, now holding the WBA and WBO straps at cruiserweight.
Glad that those judges were tighter than they might have been, Billam-Smith deserved that.
Massive effort!
23:19 , Matt VerriLeft it all out there.
To the cards we go - all three of these are going to be wide, you’d think.
The final 30 seconds of round 12...
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 16, 2024
What a battle between both fighters! 👏#ZurdoBillamSmith x #LatinoNight | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/yTPUT7QhVW
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith
23:17 , Matt VerriRound 12
Billam-Smith told he can still win this, needs to throw everything at these final three minutes.
He lands a lovely left hook, but Ramirez responds immediately.
Mexican looks like he can barely stand up now, Billam-Smith not much better as he leans on the ropes. 90 seconds to go.
Billam-Smith’s face is a mess now, cuts and swelling all over the shop.
Still he’s swinging away, Ramirez’s head snapped back by the uppercut.
And another huge right hand, Billam-Smith is going down firing. Ten seconds, they both hold their feet and throw everything at it.
What a fight! Not sure you can have it much tighter than 117-111, but Billam-Smith was absurdly brave.
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith
23:13 , Matt VerriRound 11
Big encouragement from Billam-Smith’s corner as they send their man out to battle once more. They want a strong finish.
Somehow Billam-Smith is still walking forward, constantly getting up close to Ramirez. Big right hand lands on the Mexican, this is a huge effort.
Ramirez looks gassed, Billam-Smith even more so... there’s still plenty of action. Gruelling bout.
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith
23:09 , Matt VerriRound 10
Billam-Smith probably has the better of the opening minute, but the one-two from Ramirez snaps the head back of the British man.
They both land clean right hands, again the chins are up to the task.
That’s a good round for Billam-Smith, the best he’s probably had since the first.
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith
23:04 , Matt VerriRound 9
Scrappier round... and that’s good news for Billam-Smith. Bad news is that he’s already at the point where he needs a stoppage.
Ramirez gets a bit of space and two uppercuts land flush, massive effort from Billam-Smith to be taking these shots and still meeting him in the centre of the ring.
And he’s still firing himself, great uppercut as Ramirez steps in. Fairly even round that one.
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith
23:01 , Matt VerriRound 8
Billam-Smith stumbles around the ring, more of a footwork issue than a clean shot.
Ramirez is really getting to work, combinations hammering down on Billam-Smith and there’s no response coming back.
Billam-Smith trying everything to close that distance, a couple of good right hooks landed. Still Ramirez firmly in charge, though.
Better finish to the round for the Brit, but still don’t think it’s enough to take it.
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith
22:56 , Matt VerriRound 7
Doctor, cut-man and referee crowded around Billam-Smith between rounds. That cut isn’t great at all.
Referee pauses things to allow the doctor to have a closer look - he’s waved it on for now.
It’s not opening up yet, even after another sharp left hand from Ramirez gets through. And a straight right follows it.
Now the blood is streaming again, Billam-Smith just trying to cover up in the final 10 seconds.
He’s having to work so hard... and yet he’s probably 6-1 down on the cards.
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith
22:52 , Matt VerriRound 6
Straight left from Ramirez, a smile from Billam-Smith... think that’s probably a sign that hurt him.
Better 30 seconds or so for Billam-Smith, getting right up to Ramirez and letting his hands go. Uppercut gets through, as he leans on the Mexican.
But as soon as they break, it’s Ramirez in charge. Whipping in the right hook to the body again and again.
Couple of nice left hooks from Billam-Smith and there’s now a fair bit of blood on his face. Looks to be another cut on his left eye now.
They have been rubbing foreheads a lot, a cut was almost inevitable. Serious clean-up job needed.
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith
22:48 , Matt VerriRound 5
Billam-Smith has a cut on the inside of his nose. Problems are mounting.
He landed a nice right uppercut, his best shot for a couple of rounds. Billam-Smith has started to close the distance and turn this into a physical clash at close range
When they are at range, Ramirez is dominating.
Billam-Smith already looks to be breathing fairly heavily, not comfortable at all.
And he wears another big, big left hand right on the bell. Have to think he’s 4-1 down.
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith
22:44 , Matt VerriRound 4
Slight easing of the tempo in the first minute of this round.
Cleaner shots are coming from Ramirez since that first fight, even if Billam-Smith hasn’t been buzzed.
Huge right hand from Ramirez, Billam-Smith’s legs slightly straighten after that. Great shot.
And the Mexican whips in a right to the body, and a left to the chin on the bell. Billam-Smith is struggling.
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith
22:40 , Matt VerriRound 3
Great pace to the fight, not sure they will be able to keep this up for 12 rounds but it’s making for an engrossing watch.
Right hand is getting through for Ramirez, and the one-two then has Billam-Smith right back on the ropes. Mexican is increasingly marching forward.
Here comes Billam-Smith though, right to the body and then one right on the chin. That has slowed Ramirez.
Strong finish from Ramirez, ducked under the right from Billam-Smith and then put three shots of his own together. His round.
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith
22:36 , Matt VerriRound 2
Ramirez’s corner telling him to keep this fight at distance. They don’t want to see those exchanges on the inside.
Brilliant short left hand from Ramirez, Billam-Smith tagged as he moved in. Took it well, though.
Better round this for Ramirez, starting to put the combinations together. Right hook snaps Billam-Smith’s head back.
They are both landing at close range, big shots too. No sign that either man has been hurt yet.
Really good fight already. 1-1.
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith
22:32 , Matt VerriRound 1
Three, four, five right hands landed from Billam-Smith! He’s come flying out of the blocks, those landed clean.
Ramirez doesn’t look hugely comfortable when that right hand is throw from Billam-Smith, he’s stumbling backwards.
British man has already tried a few times to lean on Ramirez, he wants to use that natural size advantage where he can.
Left hook late in the round from Billam-Smith - that’s a great opening round.
Here we go!
22:29 , Matt VerriUp and running in this unification bout!
This really is dragging on. Michael Buffer has been speaking for about three days.
Billam-Smith has been bouncing around, trying to stay warm.
Ramirez has joined Billam-Smith in the ring. Time for the anthems - three of them coming up.
Newcastle squad are in attendance tonight, including former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe.
No prizes for guessing who he might be backing.
In the ring!
22:19 , Matt VerriBillam-Smith has absolutely stormed his way to the ring. Powered his way through the arena and into the ring in a hurry.
Could be waiting a while as Ramirez now begins his ring walk.
Time for the big one!
22:08 , Matt VerriRight, onto bigger and better things.
Next up, it’s the main event. Chris Billam-Smith looks to become the first British fighter to unify at cruiserweight since David Haye.
Gilberto Ramirez the man standing in his way... serious test.
Barboza was looking very nervous as those cards were read out. Ramirez looked like he wanted to go home.
He just didn’t get going at all.
After 12 rounds...
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 16, 2024
Arnold Barboza Jr DEFEATS Jose Ramirez via unanimous decision 🏆#ZurdoBillamSmith x #LatinoNight | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/uf7YOXeHQV
Unanimous decision for Barboza Jr!
21:58 , Matt VerriBit of a delay with the scoring. Judges having to be woken up and quickly pencil in some 10s and 9s, I assume.
Barboza’s team are celebrating, they are very confident. Probably right to be.
97-93. 96-94. 96-94.
All in favour of... Barboza!
Ramirez vs Barboza Jr
21:55 , Matt VerriRound 10
“You need something big,” is the message from Ramirez’s corner ahead of the final round.
Either he hasn’t listened, he disagrees or he has a different definition of big.
Barboza flicking the counter shots off the back foot, keeping Ramirez at bay.
Nice right hand from Barboza, in fact it’s a decent combination. Might be the best work fo the fight.
There’s the final bell. Thank God.
Ramirez vs Barboza Jr
21:51 , Matt VerriRound 9
Neither of them seem to have been told by their corners that they need to really go for it.
Ramirez is probably just about the one throwing more, but hardly any of it is clean. Barboza sees a straight left coming, ducks about three feet under.
Another fairly miserable round ticks by.
Ramirez vs Barboza Jr
21:47 , Matt VerriRound 8
Three rounds to go. Signs that a fight could break out.
Barboza’s work is cleaner, just not much of it. Ramirez has been a bit wild when trying to force things.
Combination from Barboza, met with a straight right from Ramirez, who then nearly falls over as he lunges in.
Judges starting to get nervous that they have to find a way to score this...
Ramirez vs Barboza Jr
21:43 , Matt VerriRound 7
Ramirez having a better round, forcing the issue more and Barboza has been backed onto the ropes a couple of times.
But Barboza gets into the centre of the ring himself with a straight right, one that just pushed Ramirez back slightly.
It’s getting better, this fight. I reckon by round 25 it could be a really good scrap.
Ramirez vs Barboza Jr
21:38 , Matt VerriRound 6
Well the good news is neither of them can possibly be tired. At some point they will step it up. I hope.
Barboza is starting to inch his way forward, decent couple of shots to the body.
Ramirez has his man backed in the corner, but Barboza rolls out and tied him up.
At long last, Barboza has started to get going and he’s landing on Ramirez. That’s his round. The five before, anyone’s guess.
Ramirez vs Barboza Jr
21:35 , Matt VerriRound 5
Ramirez is starting to up the pace, from the lowest of bars.
That’s got a reaction from Barboza, who lands the right hand as Ramirez steps in.
Aaaaaand we’re back to not very much. They both look terrified of letting their hands go.
Ramirez vs Barboza Jr
21:31 , Matt VerriRound 4
The kind of fight that is sometimes called a ‘chess match’. Not very good, is what that means.
Fair play to them, they’ve gone another three minutes without anything happening.
Oh, watch out. Final five seconds of the fight and Ramirez lands a couple of rights hands, as Barboza leans back in the corner.
That’s good enough for Ramirez to raise his hand in celebration.
Ramirez vs Barboza Jr
21:27 , Matt VerriRound 3
We’ve had plenty of enjoyable action on this undercard. This... is not adding to it so far.
Hardly been a flush shot landed, everything even landing short of being blocked.
Ramirez might just about be getting the edge, as a result of Barboza spending most of the bout around the ropes.
Best of luck scoring this.
Ramirez vs Barboza Jr
21:22 , Matt VerriRound 2
Barboza has looked decent when stepping off the ropes and initiating the exchanges, but it’s not happened very much.
Ramirez still holding his ground in the centre of the ring but he isn’t pushing the pace. Scrappy opening six minutes.
Ramirez vs Barboza Jr
21:19 , Matt VerriRound 1
Lot of respect for each other in the early moment.
Ramirez is the one in centre ring, Barboza happy enough to stay on the outside and skip his way around the ring.
Good shot on the bell from Barboza, left hook as Ramirez just fell forward a bit.
Fighters in the ring!
21:15 , Matt VerriHere we go then, the final undercard bout of the night.
Barboza Jr with a perfect 30-0 record, Ramirez 29-1. His sole defeat came against Josh Taylor in May 2021.
It's nearly time!
21:05 , Matt VerriJust one fight to go until tonight’s match event.
Jose Ramirez vs Arnold Barbosa Jr will shortly be on their way to the ring.
Reaction from Farmer
20:58 , Matt VerriTevin Farmer unsurprisingly disappointed in the ring. He says he feels like he did enough to get the decision, especially with the knockdown.
Farmer adds: “I brought the fight to him. Like I told you, he didn’t have to find me, I’d be there.
“This guy has been stopping his last 11, 12 opponents. You see what I just did.
“It is what it is. The goal was to put the pressure on him. If I’d have let him dictate the pace, it would have been too much. We made him go backwards.”
Farmer thought he had it... not to be.
Zepeda moves to 32-0, but Farmer can be hugely proud of his effort tonight.
William Zepeda defeats Tevin Farmer via split decision 🇲🇽#RiyadhSeason | #LatinoNight | LIVE and FREE on DAZN | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/UDFeaVzefP
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) November 16, 2024
Split decision win for Zepeda!
20:51 , Matt VerriTo the cards we go.
95-94 Zepeda. 95-94 Farmer. 95-94... Zepeda!
He just about wins by split decision. Very, very tight.
Zepeda vs Farmer
20:47 , Matt VerriRound 10
Great uppercut from Farmer, who has been told by his corner that he needs this round.
Chopping left hands are getting through, Zepeda is being tagged in this final round.
But now Farmer does look tired, heading into the last minute. Those two minutes have taken a lot out of him.
30 seconds... has he got a second wind?
Not really. Farmer’s round, but probably Zepeda’s fight. 96-93 on our card.
Zepeda vs Farmer
20:43 , Matt VerriRound 9
Six minutes to go.
Farmer caught and he does look to be feeling the pace now. That left hand not getting him out of trouble as often as it was.
Three or four fall short, before a stiff Zepeda uppercut lands in the final seconds.
Think Zepeda has this now if he makes it through this final round.
Zepeda vs Farmer
20:39 , Matt VerriRound 8
More good work at close range from Zepeda, he looks to have the better engine heading into the home straight of this fight.
Zepeda going to the body a lot, which will slow Farmer down more and more.
Those are scoring shots though, four-shot combination from Farmer. Think the last one got through.
He’s back into the corner for the last few seconds of the round, Zepeda can’t land anything flush.
Zepeda vs Farmer
20:35 , Matt VerriRound 7
More even round. Farmer catching Zepeda again off the back foot.
Bit of blood coming from Farmer’s lip, but nothing that will trouble him. Again he tries to put together a big burst in the final ten seconds, but nothing clean lands.
Tough round to score, but this fight is still there for either to win with three to go.
Zepeda vs Farmer
20:30 , Matt VerriRound 6
Familiar pattern now. Zepeda pushing the pace, throwing plenty on the inside, but Farmer continues to catch him with the sharp left counters.
Zepeda starting to get back on top now, he’s come out with real intent in this round.
Farmer being walked down, pushed back into the ropes. Zepeda’s round.
Zepeda vs Farmer
20:26 , Matt VerriRound 5
Biiig left hand lands again from Farmer. And a left uppercut, Zepeda has to be rattled.
He’s swinging away at close range, but Farmer is picking off eye-catching shots. Another left uppercut lands flush.
Good 10-second burst from Zepeda, he’s stepped it up and Farmer briefly has to just cover up.
Think that’s still Farmer’s round. Level at halfway.
Farmer drops Zepeda!
20:23 , Matt VerriDidn’t have much success in the opening round, but that was a brilliant shot from Farmer.
TEVIN FARMER DROPPED WILLIAM ZEPEDA 😱#RiyadhSeason | #LatinoNight | LIVE and FREE on DAZN | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/ar1MCcZIZM
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) November 16, 2024
Zepeda vs Farmer
20:22 , Matt VerriRound 4
Much better from Farmer, left uppercut and right hook both get through the Zepeda defences.
DOWN! WOW. Farmer with the left hand and Zepeda is dropped.
Doesn’t look too hurt, but that was such a clean shot. Caught Zepeda out of nowhere.
Farmer looks like he really fancies this now. That sharp left is causing the problems.
A 10-8 round.
Zepeda vs Farmer
20:18 , Matt VerriRound 3
Bit of a scrappier round, Farmer happy to clinch and tie Zepeda up. Probably a good tactic for him.
What isn’t working is going forehead-to-forehand in the centre of the ring.
Every time Farmer lands something clean, two or three come back from Zepeda.
Saying that, Farmer finishes nicely in the last few seconds. Straight left lands flush and backs it up with an uppercut.
Still think it’s probably 3-0 Zepeda.
Zepeda vs Farmer
20:14 , Matt VerriRound 2
Zepeda with the cleaner work. It’s been a bit wild at times from Farmer already.
Good exchange on the inside, Zepeda on top but Farmer responds with a sharp left hook.
Not sure just holding his feet and going to the trenches is Farmer’s best bet... Zepeda with a clean combination, ending with the uppercut.
Great round from Zepeda, who looks very, very comfortable at close range.
Zepeda vs Farmer
20:11 , Matt VerriRound 1
Decent pace to the fight in the opening three minutes.
Farmer has been short a couple of times when trying to land a left hand from distance, but it’s a confident start from him.
Zepeda fairly cautious so far, not rushing into anything.
Ding ding!
20:08 , Matt VerriTen rounds of lightweight action scheduled.
We’re up and running!
The KO artist William Zepeda is READY to go 🇲🇽🥊#RiyadhSeason | #LatinoNight | LIVE and FREE on DAZN | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/z9xSF9feq8
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) November 16, 2024
Tevin Farmer is a former super-featherweight world champion, he’s used to boxing at the highest level. But the 34-year-old is very much the underdog.
William Zepeda is 31-0, 27 of those wins coming inside the distance.
Briton’s Maxi Hughes was dispatched earlier this year - Zepeda will want more of the same here.
Two to go!
19:56 , Matt VerriA couple more fights on the undercard, before the focus then shifts to the main event.
First up, it’s William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer. Then it will be Jose Ramirez vs Arnold Barbosa Jr.
And THEN it’s the one you’re here for...
How it ended...
19:48 , Matt VerriLovely uppercut and that was that.
Collazo dominated that from the early rounds and didn’t look like losing at any point. So, so impressive.
A BIG uppercut to WIN IT! 👊
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 16, 2024
What a performance from Oscar Collazo who defeats Thammanoon Niyomtrong 😮💨#ZurdoBillamSmith x #LatinoNight | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/24JITjJpok
Niyomtrong had been the sport’s longest-reigning world champion, having held his title for more than eight years.
That’s ended now, though, and that particular honour passes on to Artur Beterbiev.
Collazo stops Niyomtrong!
19:40 , Matt VerriRound 7
Halfway and Collazo is probably 60-53 up. How much more of this is Niyomtrong able to take?
Not much, it would look like. Down again!
He’s up on his feet on eight, referee is letting him continue. End can’t be far away, though.
And it’s waved off! Left uppercut from Collazo and that is an utterly dominant display to become unified world champion.
Collazo vs Niyomtrong
19:37 , Matt VerriRound 6
This is turning into a miserable night for Niyomtrong. Collazo landing at will, and just shoving his opponent away when he tries to close the distance.
Too strong... too good.
And Niyomtrong is down with 30 seconds to go in the round! Lovely right hand.
He beats the count but Niyomtrong looks beaten... he makes it to the bell at least.
Collazo vs Niyomtrong
19:33 , Matt VerriRound 5
Niyomtrong looks to have felt a body shot from Collazo, doubled him over briefly.
Collazo is landing plenty to the body, it’s slowing his opponent down more and more.
Wild left hand from Niyomtrong misses by a mile - bit of an insight into how he’s feeling right now.
One-way traffic.
Collazo vs Niyomtrong
19:28 , Matt VerriRound 4
Feels fairly comfortable for Collazo. Niyomtrong’s is relying on countering, but there’s been nothing too eye-catching.
Collazo landing to the body and then stepping out of range, it’s all very composed. Niyomtrong back on the ropes, Collazo really stepping it up.
He’s at least 3-1 up, you’d have to think.
Collazo vs Niyomtrong
19:24 , Matt VerriRound 3
Feel like Collazo could be making more of his size advantage. It’s all being fought at range, he hasn’t really looked to get on the inside.
Niyomtrong counters with the left, but Collazo is looking the more confident in there.
Big body shot from Collazo, backed up with a right hook. His round.
Collazo vs Niyomtrong
19:20 , Matt VerriRound 2
I wouldn’t say the atmosphere is exactly bouncing in Riyadh.
Not been much to get those in attendance going yet in this fight. Both showing each other a lot of respect.
Niyomtrong closes the distance and looks to land a combination, but falls short with it. Another tough round to score.
Collazo vs Niyomtrong
19:16 , Matt VerriRound 1
Collazo is the much bigger man in the ring. Making 105lbs can’t be much fun for him.
Cagey opening round, both keeping their distance and firing in the occasional job. Real contrast to the last fight on the card.
Well, that’s the first three minutes done. Nothing happened.
Ding ding!
19:14 , Matt VerriFirst bell sounds and we are up and running in this world-title bout.
Reminder that these two are fighting at 105lbs - they’re going to be pretty quick.
Next up, it’s a minimumweight unification bout. 12 rounds scheduled and I think they mean it this time.
Thai star Thammanoon Niyomtrong puts his WBA title on the line, as WBO champion Oscar Collazo also looks to add to his collection.
Latest from Billam-Smith
19:04 , Matt VerriChris Billam-Smith as relaxed as ever as he speaks from his new and improved dressing room, having asked to move earlier this evening.
“This one was a bit bigger,” he says.
“As a cruiserweight you need as much space as you can possibly get.
Still to come...
18:58 , Matt VerriGilberto Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith
Jose Ramirez vs Arnold Barbosa Jr
Oscar Collazo vs Thammanoon Niyomtrong
William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer
Duarte's post-fight reaction
18:53 , Matt Verri“We’ve trained together in the past. I knew that he was a warrior.
“But I just followed the advice from corner and I felt that I did enough to win the fight clearly.
“We needed to take the initiative in the fight, to the body and the head also.
“I’m ready for anybody - I want to fight Devin Haney. He’s one of the best. If it’s not him, I want to fight any of the best.”
Duarte gets the decision!
18:51 , Matt Verri98-92. 97-93. 96-94.
All in favour of... Duarte!
Unanimous decision. It was the Akhmedov corner who seemed to be celebrating, but the judges have seen it differently.
I’d agree with the 96-94 card. Other two seem a bit wide.
Duarte vs Akhmedov
18:47 , Matt VerriRound 10
Well there’s some slightly important news they’ve decided to just slip in. Turns out it’s a ten-round fight, not 12 as previously advertised.
So... this is the final round.
Would explain why the pace has gone right up again, left hook lands from Duarte.
Uppercut fired in, Duarte is finishing well here. And another one, Akhmedov is taking a fair bit of punishment.
And there’s the final bell. Could go either way, but would probably just about lean towards Duarte.
Duarte vs Akhmedov
18:42 , Matt VerriRound 9
Into the final third of the fight we go.
For the first time, the pace isn’t quite so relentless. Few more feints, neither quite as quick to close the distance.
But their foreheads are touching again with a minute to go, round still there for either of them to win.
Duarte lands a clean right hands, Akhmedov seems to be breathing a bit heavier but he’s still landing plenty.
Duarte with two, three, four clean shots on the bell. Glare from Akhmedov, who has just lost the momentum slightly.
Duarte vs Akhmedov
18:38 , Matt VerriRound 8
Duarte lands the right hand and he thinks that’s hurt Akhmedov, because he charges forward.
But Akhmedov meets fire with fire, gets himself into the centre ring and now he’s the one going through the gears again.
Somehow neither of them have particularly slowed down, despite nearly 25 minutes now of gruelling action.
Duarte forces his man back onto the ropes again, both will be pretty happy to hear the bell and get a breather.
Could well be 4-4 after eight rounds.
Duarte vs Akhmedov
18:34 , Matt VerriRound 7
Big right hand from Duarte, before the left hooks rocks Akhmedov’s head back.
Backs it up to the body, this has been a good round for Duarte. Burst of action from him and Akhmedov hasn’t really responded.
Uppercut lands too - Duarte’s round.
Duarte vs Akhmedov
18:30 , Matt VerriRound 6
This is such a tough fight to score. Imagine the judges would be delighted to see it finish inside the distance.
Akhmedov is the one landing the cleaner combinations... but here comes Duarte!
Marches forward to counter, lets his hands go but gets caught by a sharp shot to the body.
Great fight. Halfway stage... 4-2 Akhmedov on our card.
Duarte vs Akhmedov
18:26 , Matt VerriRound 5
Big cheer from Akhmedov’s corner as their man puts a nice combination together. And a nice left hand, but Duarte returns with a big left hook.
They are back to standing about a foot away from each other, constant pressure.
Bit wild from Duarte, left hook falls short that time. That one lands, as he really gets to work in the final ten seconds.
There is surely no way they can keep this pace up for 12 rounds...
Duarte vs Akhmedov
18:22 , Matt VerriRound 4
Feels like this about six feet of this ring has been used so far. Both just holding their feet in the centre.
Duarte thunders in a couple of shots to the body, then gets back to work to the head.
Forehead-to-forehead as they continue to exchange, it’s relentless from the pair of them.
Akhmedov is really forcing the pace, before he ducks under three left hooks. That’s a really tough one to score.
Duarte vs Akhmedov
18:18 , Matt VerriRound 3
Two sharp uppercuts from Duarte, he’s starting to really let his hands go. Exhausting intensity to this bout already.
Duarte has taken a step or so back and it’s giving him more space to work, looks much better for it.
And another double uppercut from Duarte, well on top in this round with 30 seconds to go.
Akhmedov enjoys a bit more success in the final moments, but that is Duarte’s round.
Duarte vs Akhmedov
18:14 , Matt VerriRound 2
This fight near enough entirely being fought on the inside. They’ve been right on top of each other the whole time.
Again Akhmedov looks the busier of the two, without landing too much in the way of clean shots.
Duarte with another burst in the final ten seconds.
Duarte vs Akhmedov
18:10 , Matt VerriRound 1
These two have sparred plenty of rounds together. Know each other very well, both strengths and weaknesses.
Pretty even opening round. Akhmedov probably forcing the pace a bit more, but Duarte finishes it strongly.
Catches Akhmedov with the left counter, forces his opponent back onto the ropes. Could have been enough to snatch the round.
Fun continues in Saudi Arabia...
18:01 , Matt VerriChris Billam-Smith has just been speaking, and revealed that he’s moved dressing room. Wasn’t happy with the size of the initial one.
Next up on the undercard, it’s Oscar Duarte vs Batyr Akhmedov.
There’s 12 rounds of super-lightweight action scheduled - a lot of talk that this could be one of the fights of the night.
Draw in the opening bout of the night
17:52 , Matt VerriIt’s gone the distance in the first bout of the night, between Ziyad Almaayouf and Juan Garcia.
It’s taking about three days to get Garcia’s wraps off - eventually he’s back in the centre of the ring for the decision.
58-56 Almaayouf. 57-57. 57-57.
A majority draw.
Busy day for Billam-Smith
17:40 , Matt VerriBillam-Smith might be chilled, but he’s not leaving anything to change.
He’s had the tape measure out in his dressing room, making sure everything is just to his liking.
CBS just making sure EVERYTHING is perfect ahead of tonight... 😅📏#ZurdoBillamSmith x #LatinoNight | Tonight | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/4HY45eotc4
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 16, 2024
Final face-off
17:29 , Matt VerriIt’s been pretty respectful between Ramirez and Billam-Smith this week. Still all calm at yesterday’s weigh-in.
Would say that Billam-Smith looks the more natural at the weight, 200lbs suits him.
Ramirez still getting used to life up at cruiserweight, having previously been a world champion at super-middleweight.
Billam-Smith has to use that size advantage, making this a physical night.
INTENSE FINAL FACE-OFF 🥶
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 15, 2024
Zurdo Ramirez v Chris Billam-Smith! 👊#ZurdoBillamSmith x #LatinoNight | Tomorrow | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/Ha8anWUJSc
Undercard action about to begin!
17:22 , Matt VerriThere’s about 12 people in the stands as the first two fighters of the night make their way to the ring.
It will be Ziyad Almaayouf, on home soil, fighting Juan Garcia to kick things off.
Six rounds scheduled.
World champion!
17:16 , Matt VerriChris Billam-Smith climbed to the summit of the boxing world in May last year, beating Lawrence Okolie in front of his home fans in Bournemouth.
There was a lot of holding from Okolie, it was not the greatest fight to watch... Billam-Smith and those in the stands did not care one bit.
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith prediction
17:05The promotion of "Latino Night" card makes it clear that Billam-Smith is not billed as the star attraction for Saturday night’s main event.
That will not bother him, though, with the British fighter a laid-back character and not one who will be craving all the attention that comes with these Riyadh Season events.
Billam-Smith has improved significantly in recent years, as seen with a dominant win over Riakporhe in June, five years on from losing to his fellow Briton.
This, though, is a major step up. Ramirez is hugely experienced at the top level, making five defences of his super-middleweight world title before moving up, and only the elite Bivol has a win over the Mexican.
Billam-Smith should be the more natural at the weight, with Ramirez having only had a couple of fights at cruiserweight, and he will as ever look to force the pace and intensity throughout.
Ramirez is a southpaw and that is a test Billam-Smith has had limited experience of, while the Mexican has showed throughout his career that he has a good chin. Whether Ramirez carries the knockout power at cruiserweight is a question that will be answered in time, but that might not be necessary here if he can control proceedings over 12 rounds.
Ramirez to win, unanimous decision
Ramirez vs Billam-Smith card in full
16:56 , Matt VerriGilberto Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith
Jose Carlos Ramirez vs Arnold Barbosa Jr
Oscar Collazo vs Thammanoon Niyomtrong
William Zepeda Segura vs Tevin Farmer
Oscar Duarte Jurado vs Botirzhon Akhmedov
Ziyad Almaayouf vs Juan Carlos Ramirez Garcia
How to watch Ramirez vs Billam-Smith
16:46 , Matt VerriTV channel: The card will be broadcast on Sky Sports Mix from 5pm GMT on this evening and from 10pm on Sky Sports Main Event.
It will also be available to watch on DAZN, at no additional cost to subscribers.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Sky Go app or the DAZN platforms.
Live blog: We’ll be bringing you round-by-round coverage of the whole event right here!
Good afternoon!
16:34 , Matt VerriHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Gilberto Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith!
It’s a huge night of boxing ahead in Saudi Arabia, as British star Billam-Smith faces the toughest test of his career in a cruiserweight unification bout.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and then full coverage of the entire card right here. Stick with us!
