Chris Billam-Smith vs Gilberto Ramirez – Who wins cruiserweight unification clash?
Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13KO) defends his WBO World cruiserweight title for a third time to once-defeated Mexican Gilberto Ramirez (46-1, 30KO), who puts his WBA strap up for grabs, live on DAZN.
The 34-year-old Brit won the WBO belt from his friend and former gymmate Lawrence Okolie in 2021, then made two defences, coming from behind to stop Mateusz Masternak in the eighth last year, then decisioning Richard Riakporhe with a dominant performance as the underdog this year.
Southpaw Zurdo Ramirez held the same belt at super-middleweight and has just a single defeat in 47 bouts to Dmitrii Bivol two years ago now.
It’s an intriguing unification clash, one that’s close to call, so BBN asked their panel of experts who they believe wins and why.
Malik Scott, Boxing trainer and former pro
“Julian [Chua] is one of the brightest trainers in boxing. I enjoy learning from him. I had Zurdo for his fight with Joe Smith, and he did well. No disrespect to Billam-Smith, but this fight is a mismatch.
“Zurdo is a big, strong southpaw who’s faced tougher opponents than Billam-Smith. He’s a powerful body puncher with great angles and an incredible boxing mind. Billam-Smith is big and keeps coming forward, but he’s a one-trick pony.
“He has a good trainer, but I think Zurdo takes over in the second half. Zurdo has a dream team in his corner. I believe he’ll become undisputed champion, with Jai Opetaia as his only real challenge.”
Wayne Alexander, Former British, European, World Champion
“This is a good fight, putting two champions in the weight together in a unification fight is the best way to see who is the number one.
“CBS is the naturally bigger fighter, and easier to hit, I believe, and I think that Ramirez has a slightly better IQ and this is what this fight will come down to, with Zurdo winning on points.”
Tim Rickson, BBN Editor
“I will backing Billam-Smith all the way. I was pleasantly surprised with his last win over Riakporhe. I wasn’t sure that he could get revenge, but he showed everyone that you just can’t write him off. The same applies when he was struggling with Masternak, he turned that around too.
“I think Zurdo is going to be his best opponent yet and one of the most experienced, skilled fighters he’s ever faced. The southpaw is a great body puncher and swarmer, but ‘The Gentleman’ can bang! So if he gets too close and too open, then anything could happen when Billam-Smith lets them go. He can take a shot too, so it would take something special for Zurdo to hurt him.
“CBS is a 2/1 underdog at most bookies, but I’m going to trust in his bravery, tenacity and determination for him to grind it out and get the win. I know it’s most likely that Zurdo will win, probably on points if I was to guess, but I’m being biased to my fellow Brit.
“If he can weather the early storms and still be standing strong, then I think Billam-Smith will have a great chance down the stretch.”
Marshall Kauffman, Kings Boxing
“These both are great fighters.
“I am picking Ramirez in this fight since he has been in with better opposition and is physically the bigger fighter.”
Harrison Baskind, BBN Writer
“CBS has been the underdog many times before, however I think this time the challenge will prove too big for him. I expect Ramirez to win on points, I don’t see him knocking CBS out though.
“I think Ramirez will use all his experience and the fact he is a southpaw to make it too awkward for his opponent and outbox him, winning comfortably on the scorecards.”
Burim Sylejmani, Fides Sports Promotion
“The best fight currently in the Cruiserweight Division.
“I think Chris Billam-Smith will win this fight.”
Arijan Goricki, IBO title contender
“My prediction is CBS by UD. Ramirez doesn’t seems like he likes boxing any more.”
Bogdan Musat, Matchmaker & Manager
“In this fight, I will go with Ramirez. He is more experienced and technical, Smith looks to have more power. I see a UD.”