Gilberto Ramirez v Chris Billam-Smith: Mexican unifies titles with points win
WBO boxing champion Billam Smith was the first to enter the arena. He raised his arms and circled the arena with a serious expression on his face.
It’s a far cry from the rowdy crowds Billham-Smith is used to back home, but there are some familiar faces on the sidelines, including Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe – who is also part of Billham-Smith’s beloved AFC Bournemouth side. The team’s legendary former player and manager – as well as some of his players. Players present.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund owns a majority stake in Newcastle and the kingdom continues to invest millions of dollars into sport.
The kingdom has Accused of using sports and famous athletes as tools for “sports reshuffle” Saudi Arabia continues to face criticism for its human rights record.
Just before the first bell, chants from both fighters could be heard, with Billam-Smith landing cleanly first as the fight progressed.
He landed some good shots that hit Ramirez in the head.
However, Ramirez started to shine in the next few rounds, landing some powerful shots and landing a huge right uppercut in the fourth round that finally ended Billam Smith’s Cut to left eye.
In the fifth, the Mexican stunned the Brit with a huge left hand before the bell.
The referee stopped the fight at the start of the seventh round because Billham-Smith suffered damage to his left eye. The courtside doctor examined the injury and confirmed that the game could continue.
“There were a few rounds where I couldn’t see my eyesight,” Billam-Smith admitted.
Ramirez continued his destructive path in the final rounds, landing bigger, more compelling shots.
The Mexicans appeared to be tiring towards the end of the game and Billham-Smith had a moment of joy, but it was too late and the Englishman’s coach Sean McGuigan expressed his frustration at the way the game was going.
Billham-Smith emptied his tank in the last minute, but it was not to be and Ramirez became the first Mexican to capture a world title at lightweight.
Ramirez is now ready to further unify the lightweight division, with IBF champion Jai Opetaia and WBC champion Noel Mikaelian both eager to compete The winners of the competition compete.
