RIYADH: WBA cruiserweight title holder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez defeated WBO champ Chris Billam-Smith by unanimous decision on Saturday in the main event of Riyadh’s “Latino Night” to become the undisputed world champion in the division.
The Mexican southpaw improved his record to 47-1, including 30 KOs, while the British champ went down 20-2, 13 KOs, after three straight title defenses.
Ramirez showcased his power and precision before a packed crowd at Riyadh’s The Venue, headlining an unforgettable evening that celebrated the rich heritage of Latin American culture and the global appeal of boxing.
Ramirez took control of the fight from the opening bell, using his size advantage and sharp combinations to pin Billam-Smith on the back foot. The British fighter displayed immense heart, landing counter shots and working the body, but Zurdo’s power and precision proved overwhelming.
In his post-fight interview, Ramirez dedicated his victory to his fans and the Latino community. “I’m a proud Mexican and Latino — I will represent the Latino Night very well,” he told Arab News before the fight. And he did!
Riyadh witnessed an electrifying evening of boxing during the Latino Night, a marquee event of the Riyadh Season, celebrating the spirit of Latino culture through sport and entertainment. Fans packed the arena to witness high-octane action and support fighters representing the vibrant legacy of Latin America.
The evening began with an undercard packed with great talent and exciting matchups. Fighters from across the Latin America showcased skill and determination, thrilling the crowd with breathtaking rounds, technical displays, and a few dramatic comebacks. Each bout built anticipation for the night’s culminating showdown.
Ziyad Almaayouf draws with Juan Garcia in opener
Saudi boxer Ziyad Almaayouf delivered a spirited performance in the opening fight, settling for a hard-fought draw against Mexico’s Juan Garcia.
The bout showcased Almaayouf’s sharp boxing skills and Garcia’s relentless pressure, with both fighters trading heavy shots and testing each other’s endurance across all six rounds.
Almaayouf, backed by a passionate home crowd, landed cleaner combinations early in the fight, but Garcia’s aggression in the later rounds allowed him to claw back on the scorecards, leading to a split draw decision.
The result left fans buzzing, with many praising Almaayouf’s resilience and composure under Garcia’s constant attacks.
In a post-fight interview with Arab News, Almaayouf, dubbed “Zizo”, he said that he won the fight tonight despite what the judges decided. “I’m always going to think that I did enough to win the fight. This is just the opinion of two judges.”
“If you go back 10-15 years ago and you ask the world: would they see a Saudi professional boxer standing in the middle of the ring with a tough Mexican fight as such, they wouldn’t believe it,” he added. “But tonight, we showed that can happen.”
He said that the rematch is his next step.
For Garcia, the result marked a testament to his durability and fighting spirit, earning him respect as a worthy opponent in a thrilling opener to an unforgettable night.
Latino Night in Riyadh marked another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global hub for sports and entertainment. By blending cultural celebration with world-class boxing, the event left a lasting impression on fans and participants alike.
As the arena emptied and the lights dimmed, one thing was clear: Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez had not only won a fight but had also solidified his position as a global ambassador for the enduring legacy of Latino boxing.
