Zurdo Ramirez Beat Billam-Smith by Unanimous Decision in Riyadh
Last updated: 22 October 2026. Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez beat Chris Billam-Smith by unanimous decision on Saturday, 16 November 2024 at The Venue in Riyadh, unifying the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles. The sold-out Latino Night show was enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
On November 16, 2024, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez cruised to a comfortable, unanimous decision over Chris Billam-Smith to become the unified world cruiserweight champion on Saturday.
Zurdo vs Billam-Smith in Riyadh
Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and Chris Billam-Smith met in Riyadh on 16 November 2024 in a cruiserweight title unification fight, the headline bout of Latino Night at The Venue.
The Latino Night Undercard
Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and Chris Billam-Smith headlined the action-packed event in Riyadh on 16 November 2024. They competed for the unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles in a thrilling clash of champions.
- Jose Carlos Ramirez vs Arnold Barboza Jr.
- William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer
- Oscar Collazo vs Thammanoon Niyomtrong
- Oscar Duarte vs Batyr Akhmedov
- Ziyad Almaay vs Carlos Ramirez
The Main Event: A Cruiserweight Clash
Gilberto Ramirez, from Mazatlán, Mexico, had already etched his name into the annals of boxing history as the first Mexican to claim world champion titles in both the super middleweight and cruiserweight divisions. He came into this fight with a record of 46-1 and 30 knockouts, on a quest to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion. His opponent, Chris Billam-Smith from Bournemouth, United Kingdom, entered the ring with a professional record of 20-1 and 13 knockouts. Having defended his WBO cruiserweight title three times since 2023, Billam-Smith represented a formidable challenge. Ramirez won by unanimous decision to unify the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles.
Supporting Fights and Global Broadcast
“Latino Night” also featured a roster of compelling bouts, including a WBO Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator between U.S. Olympian and former unified champion Jose Ramirez and the undefeated Arnold Barboza Jr. Additionally, knockout specialist William “El Camarón” Zepeda faced former IBF World Champion Tevin “2X” Farmer in a lightweight contest.
Global Broadcast
Turki Alalshikh announced that “Latino Night” would be broadcast globally for free, so fans around the world could share in this celebration of boxing and Latino culture. This page is now a results report for an event that has already taken place.
Riyadh Season: A Festival of World-Class Entertainment
The boxing event is part of the larger Riyadh Season, a festival that spans several months and includes a diverse array of activities ranging from art exhibitions and culinary experiences to theater performances and live concerts. This integration of sports with broader cultural festivities highlights the unique appeal of Riyadh as a hub for entertainment and international gatherings.
A Landmark Night for Latino Boxing
The significance of the Zurdo vs Billam-Smith fight extended beyond the ropes of the ring. It was a cultural event that spotlighted Latino talent and showcased the global appeal of boxing. For die-hard boxing fans and newcomers to the sport alike, the electrifying atmosphere of “Latino Night” was something to remember.
This was not just another fight night; it was a global spectacle. On 16 November 2024, fans around the world watched history unfold in Saudi Arabia’s capital, as Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez beat Chris Billam-Smith by unanimous decision at The Venue in Riyadh.