Mexican Gilberto Ramirez defeated Britain’s brave and bloodied Chris Billam-Smith on points in Riyadh to become unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion.
The victory was a comfortable one for ‘Zurdo’ on the cards, the judges at ringside scoring it 116-112, 116-112 and 116-113.
Ramirez moves to 47-1 with his only professional defeat being by former light-heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol.
He dominated the majority of the fight in Saudi Arabia and landed a high volume of devastating blows as Billam-Smith admirably fought on, staying on his feet for the full 12 rounds but he was not at the level to dethrone Ramirez.
This defeat is the second blemish on the Bournemouth fighter’s record, his other loss to Londoner Richard Riakporhe in 2019.
“I guess there’s a bit of irony,” Billam-Smith said in the ring after the bout.
“My initials are obviously CBS, I say ‘consistency builds success’ and I think he had the consistency tonight. They deserved to come out with the win. I have a huge amount of respect for him.”
He added: “Next I will enjoy a rest, enjoy Christmas. We’ll have to go back and keep improving.”
Meanwhile, Ramirez continues his fine streak at his new weight, winning a second world title in only his second fight at cruiserweight.
“I feel great. I’m a true champion, everyone saw,” Ramirez said.
“I mean, I’m prepared for those guys. We know he was a tough fighter. A strong guy. He was a champion. It was an honour for me to fight him and get the belt.
“Next I want to unify with all the champions. That’s the main goal for me.”