By Harvey Hudson
Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez proved to be a leap too far for a spirited Chris Blum-Smith on Saturday night in Riyadh. Blum-Smith, a fighter who has consistently upset the odds and admittedly excelled in the sport, met a fighter in Ramirez who proved to be a step up in their cruiserweight unification clash.
The Mexican took control of large parts of the fight from early in the second round, his hand and foot speed allowing him to dominate the rounds and go on to have successive spells of success.
His accuracy also played a key role. Despite things not going his way, Blumsmith once again displayed his trademark grit, determination and sheer will to win throughout the fight.
In the opening round, Blum-Smith started well and looked to impose his physicality and advantages. Then, the fight took a turn, swinging in Ramirez’s favor. From the second round, the Mexican’s hand and foot speed allowed him to dominate the fight, and his ring IQ appeared to improve.
Golden Boy Promotions/Chris Esqueda
Late in the second, Ramirez began to land straight lefts from a southpaw stance. There was then a glimpse of what was to come as straight left hands repeatedly caused problems for Blumsmith.
Blum-Smith was cut by a right in the fourth, which again caused problems as his eye continued to swell and round. The doctor examined the damaged eye in round seven and allowed the fight to continue.
Ramirez, a fighter who has competed at super middleweight, continued to use his superior foot speed and combination punching and was well ahead after 10 rounds. However, Blum-Smith made some minor changes in the 11th and looked to win the round with sheer heart and guts.
But it was too late and he knew he had to produce something special to turn the fight back in his favor heading into the final round. Blum Smith and his corner knew he needed to stop.
Golden Boy Promotions/Chris Esqueda
The final round was a Ramirez round as he again landed more meaningful and accurate shots. Blum Smith was running for his life. Despite Ramirez’s wide win on points, the fight was tight, and Blumsmith showed granite chin and toughness.
The scorecards read 116-112 and 116-113 twice as Ramirez was crowned the unified WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion. The winner of the fight was previously scheduled to face IBF champion Jai Opatija, and apparently that will be next for Ramirez, especially with Saudi backing.
Gilberto Ramirez’s reaction after the war:
“I feel great. I am the unified champion. Thank you all!
“I prepared for these guys, my team and I knew he was a tough fighter and a strong guy. It was an honor to fight him and get the belt. I’m grateful to be here.
“He’s tough. He came out all the time and he’s strong. I have respect for him because he’s a great champion. Everyone thought I was a super middleweight but now I’m the unified cruiserweight champion. It’s Time to enjoy the night.”
Blumsmith’s reaction after the fight:
“I have a lot of respect for him and always have. He’s great. We have to evaluate and keep improving him.
Ramirez vs. Blum Smith Undercard:
Undercard selections featured Oscar Collazo’s dominant and bantamweight stoppage of Thamanon ‘Knockout CP Freshmart’ Neumtrong and a battle between Oscar Duarte and Batyr Akhmedov.
William Zepeda also defeated Tune Farmer via lightweight split decision. Zepeda was heavily dropped in the fourth but continued to push the fight through his relentless style and front foot pressure.
Zepeda is now eyeing a clash with WBC champion Shakur Stevenson. However, after this performance, the champion will likely discover newfound weaknesses and flaws.
