Jack Paul vs. Mike Tyson before and after pranks to satisfy boxing fans and remind us all what a great sport it is.
Considering what happened in Texas, it should be easy to separate Netflix’s main event from the efforts of Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Gilberto Ramirez, Chris Blum-Smith, and the supporting cast.
Although the defeats will hurt a few, in reality, they have enhanced their reputation and credibility. But who will he and the winners fight next? Boxing News Looks at possible options.
Taylor (L) and Serrano (R) pick up where they left off two years ago. (Photo by Albelo/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024)
Katie Taylor
The rematch wasn’t as good as the first fight but the bar was too high to match. Still, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano give us yet another match of the year with their contrasting styles.
Taylor got the nod but just as there was a strong case for his opponent to get a points decision for the first time. Both produced 20 rounds of drama that will go down in boxing and sporting history but will we see round 21?
It looks like a trilogy option is there for Taylor, but there’s also unfinished business with Chantal Cameron. With the score tied at 1-1, Intellect would lead us into the third and final battle. Taylor remains the undisputed super lightweight champion, meaning his undisputed lightweight crown will be taken from him, freeing up those belts for others.
Next July, Taylor will celebrate her 39th birthday, and her 26th fight could be her last. Based on results alone, a third installment against Cameron makes the most sense. However, there could also be a chance she could move up to welterweight if another old rival, Natasha Jonas, unifies next month. Winning a world title in a third weight class will certainly pique the Irish sensation’s interest.
New Unified Cruiserweight Champion ‘Zordo’ Ramirez. (Golden Boy Promotions/Chris Esqueda)
Gilberto ‘Zordo’ Ramirez
The Mexican had fought 47 times before last night but there was no performance that told us an awful lot about ‘Zordo’ Ramirez. Against Chris Blum Smith, however, Ramirez became not only the Unified Cruiserweight Champion, but one of the best fighters in the world.
Blum-Smith forced Ramirez to fight fire and unleashed his full repertoire of shots needed to stop the tough Brit. It was not only a performance and win to be proud of, but to be remembered.
Since Oleksandr Usyk owns the cruiserweight division and was the undisputed champion, Ramirez is halfway there. In his way are Jay Opatija (IBF champion) and Noel Mikaelian (WBC). Riyadh Season and Turkey Al-Sheikh has already done business with Opatija and Al-Sheikh wants to see a champion at 200lbs. Opetia v Ramirez is a fantastic fight that you can debate for hours. However, it remains to be seen if Ramirez will be called up or if the road will be cleared to face Opatija in what will be one of the most anticipated fights of 2025.
Blumsmith left everything in the ring against Ramirez. (Golden Boy Promotions/Chris Esqueda)
‘The Gentleman’ will be well rested after his loss to Ramirez. His guts, chin and determination saw him through 12 grueling rounds against an opponent who had little more than him in his arsenal.
Blumsmith wasn’t far behind and had successful moments early in the fight and during the second wind in the final third. His 18-month reign as WBO cruiserweight champion, however, is now over, but he should hold his head high.
The 34-year-old has gotten more out of boxing than he expected when he turned professional several years ago. Rarely has he won a fight easily, and because of that and good competition, 22 fight clocks have added more mileage than usual. We may be nearing the end of another feel-good story in boxing but it would be a surprise if he were to go out with a loss.
Another night in Bournemouth, headlining the BIC (Bournemouth International Centre) in front of their fans and a sold out venue could be the perfect swing. Sergey Kovalev or Jean Pascal may be past their prime, but they bring name value and are a great opportunity for CBS to lean in style.
His dream of fighting in America could come true against Joe Smith Jr. It may not be Vegas and it may not be a major event but it ticks another one off the bucket list. But if Blumsmith is to find a second world title shot, he will have to wait a while and time is not really on his side.
