Ramirez Unifies Cruiserweight Belts Against Billam-Smith
Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez defeated Chris Billam-Smith by unanimous decision on November 16, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, unifying the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles. The scheduled showdown is now a defining result for both champions: Ramirez left with both belts, while Billam-Smith’s WBO reign ended.
Ramirez wins the unification fight
The WBA champion added Billam-Smith’s WBO belt with a 12-round unanimous decision at The Venue during Riyadh Season’s “Latino Night.” The judges scored it 116–113, 116–112 and 116–113 for Ramirez. The result improved Ramirez’s record to 47 wins and one loss; Billam-Smith moved to 20–2.
A unification bout with real stakes
Billam-Smith entered as the WBO titleholder after winning the belt from Lawrence Okolie in 2023 and defending it against Mateusz Masternak and Richard Riakporhe. Ramirez had claimed the WBA cruiserweight title earlier in 2024. Their meeting brought the two champions together, with the winner taking both crowns.
Billam-Smith’s career after Riyadh
Billam-Smith returned to winning form and, on June 6, 2026, stopped Ryan Rozicki after seven rounds in Bournemouth when Rozicki’s corner pulled him out. It was a hard-fought hometown win that moved the former champion back toward the cruiserweight title picture.
Sources: World Boxing Association: Ramirez unifies the titles; The Ring: Billam-Smith stops Rozicki after seven rounds; Sky Sports: Billam-Smith’s 2026 win.
Sources
Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
