Oscar De La Hoya, CEO of Golden Boy Promotion, shares his perspective on WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, who will fight against WBO cruiserweight champion. Chris Billam-Smith
The match is scheduled for November 16 in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia The headline card “Latino Night” aired on DAZN and was promoted by Golden Boy Promotion.
Ramirez, 33, comes into the fight with momentum. With a record of 46-1 (36 KO), Mexican fighter Ramirez Rebounding strongly from the one loss of his career to former light heavyweight champion Mmitry Bivol, the defeat De La Hoya believes is at the heart of his Ramirez’s growth since then Ramirez won the WBA cruiserweight belt by defeating Arsen. Gulamir studies in March.
De La Hoya told DAZN the impact of Ramirez’s experience against Bivol: “I think Bivol really taught him a good lesson. With an undefeated record against guys like Bivol who can punch and punch. We’ve seen what he’s done to many great fighters. He is a great boxer. So having to deal with that and having to deal with adversity makes (Ramirez) a better, more complete fighter.”
De La Hoya emphasizes the importance of adaptability. Noting that Ramirez now understands how to pace and organize fights. “Now he knows he has to change gears. That means he couldn’t fight (in) first gear, second gear, (he had to) accelerate (and go to) third, fourth, fifth gear,” De La Hoya said.
Billam-Smith, 34, enters the ring on an 11-fight winning streak, including a victory over Lawrence Okolie in June 2023 to capture the WBO title and a win over Richar. D Riakporhe later to avenge his only professional defeat. Despite the challenges Billam-Smith faces, De La Hoya sees Ramirez’s experience as a deciding factor. “This fight with Billam will be tough for both of them. But I really think Zurdo has the experience to take Billam to the next round and maybe stop him,” De La Hoya said.
