Ramirez Beats Billam-Smith to Unify Cruiserweight Titles
Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez defeated Chris Billam-Smith by unanimous decision in Riyadh on November 16, 2024, adding Billam-Smith’s WBO cruiserweight title to his WBA belt.
Ramirez unified the cruiserweight titles
Ramirez outpointed Billam-Smith over 12 rounds at The Venue in Riyadh. The WBA lists official scores of 116-113, 116-112 and 116-113. Ramirez improved to 47-1 and became the unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion. His opponent, then the WBO titleholder, fell to 20-2.
Two title defenses, then a new champion
Ramirez retained both belts in June 2025, defeating Yuniel Dorticos by unanimous decision in Anaheim. The WBA’s recorded scorecards were 115-112, 115-112 and 117-110. That win brought Ramirez to 48-1.
His reign ended on May 2, 2026, when David Benavidez stopped him in the sixth round at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Benavidez scored two knockdowns and won by knockout at 2:59 of the round, taking the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles. Ramirez’s record after the bout was 48-2, with 30 knockouts.
Sources: WBA report on the Billam-Smith fight; WBA official fight records and scorecards; Premier Boxing Champions: Benavidez vs. Ramirez.
Sources
Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
