Ramirez defeats Billam-Smith, unifies titles

Mexico’s Gilberto Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs) defeated Britain’s Chris Billam-Smith (20-2) on points in Riyadh on Saturday night and unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight world titles.

“Zurdo” was seen as clear winner by judges. Two of judges scored the fight 116:112 and one 116:113.

Mexican said that he aims to unify all the titles.

“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.”

In undercard Oscar Collazo (11-0) stopped Thammanoon Niyaomtrong (25-1) in the fight for WBO World minimum title.

Arnold Barboza Jr. (31-0) won via unanimous decision over Jose Carlos Ramirez (29-2).

William Zepeda Segura (32-0) defeated Tevin Farmer (33-7-1) via split decision (95:94, 94:95 and 95:94) in the fight for WBC Interim World lightweight title.