Gilberto Ramirez vs. Chris Billam-Smith: Stats and Fight Odds
On November 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a unification fight will take place between WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith from the UK and WBA champion Gilberto Ramirez from Mexico.
Ready to Fight breaks down their stats and what to expect from this matchup.
Gilberto Ramirez
Country: Mexico
Age: 33
Weight Class: Cruiserweight (90.7 kg)
Height: 189 cm
Reach: 191 cm
Stance: Southpaw
Record: 46 wins (30 by KO), 1 loss, 0 draws
KO Rate: 65.2%
Total Career Rounds: 289
Recent Fights:
- Win by unanimous decision (UD 12) – Arsen Goulamirian
- Win by unanimous decision (UD 10) – Joe Smith Jr.
- Loss by unanimous decision (UD 12) – Dmitrii Bivol
- Win by knockout (KO 4) – Dominic Boesel
- Win by technical knockout (TKO 10) – Yunieski Gonzalez
Rounds in Last 5 Fights: 48
Average Rounds per Fight in Recent Fights: 9.6
Longest and Shortest Recent Fights:
Longest – 12 rounds (UD win) / Shortest – 4 rounds (KO win)
Win Rate in Recent Fights: 80%
Loss Rate in Recent Fights: 20%
KO Rate in Recent Fights: 40%
Ring Activity in Recent Fights: 1.5 fights per year
Combined Opponent Record at Fight Time: 128 wins, 9 losses, 0 draws
Best Opponent Record: Arsen Goulamirian (27-0 at fight time)
Least Successful Opponent Record: Joe Smith Jr. (28 wins, 4 losses at fight time)
Average Punches in Recent Fights:
- Jabs: 60/238 (25.2%)
- Power Punches: 143/315 (45.4%)
- Total: 203/553
- Overall Accuracy: 36.7%
Chris Billam-Smith
Country: United Kingdom
Age: 34
Weight Class: Cruiserweight (90.7 kg)
Height: 191 cm
Reach: Unknown
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 20 wins (13 by KO), 1 loss, 0 draws
KO Rate: 65%
Total Career Rounds: 140
Recent Fights:
- Win by unanimous decision (UD 12) – Richard Riakporhe
- Win by corner retirement (RTD 8) – Mateusz Masternak
- Loss by majority decision (MD 12) – Lawrence Okolie
- Win by knockout (KO 5) – Armend Xhoxhaj
- Win by unanimous decision (UD 12) – Isaac Chamberlain
Rounds in Last 5 Fights: 49
Average Rounds per Fight in Recent Fights: 9.8
Longest and Shortest Recent Fights:
Longest – 12 rounds (UD win) / Shortest – 5 rounds (KO win)
Win Rate in Recent Fights: 100%
KO Rate in Recent Fights: 40%
Ring Activity in Recent Fights: 2 fights per year
Combined Opponent Record at Fight Time: 103 wins, 8 losses, 0 draws
Best Opponent Record: Lawrence Okolie (19-0 at fight time)
Least Successful Opponent Record: Armend Xhoxhaj (14 wins, 2 losses at fight time)
Average Punches in Recent Fights:
- Jabs: 60/343 (17.5%)
- Power Punches: 65/249 (26.1%)
- Total: 125/592
- Overall Accuracy: 21.1%
Fighting Styles and Techniques
This matchup promises fireworks, as both fighters are known for their willingness to engage directly. Each possesses serious power and the potential to end the fight at any moment. In his last fight, Billam-Smith faced Richard Riakporhe, initially considered the favorite. However, Chris managed to find his range and claim victory. Earlier in 2023, he also outboxed Lawrence Okolie, knocking him down three times.
Ramirez moved up from light heavyweight after a loss to Dmitri Bivol in 2022. Since moving to cruiserweight, he has settled in well, with a solid debut against Joe Smith Jr. followed by a title-winning performance over Arsen Goulamirian. Ramirez comfortably went the distance in both cruiserweight fights, showing sharpness and solid speed. The weight transition has been beneficial, as Gilberto now appears fresh and capable of delivering consistent combinations right until the final bell.
Age and Experience Difference
The fighters are close in age—Ramirez is 33, and Billam-Smith is 34. This is an ideal stage in their careers; they have ample experience but remain youthful and fresh, which bodes well for an exciting bout. Billam-Smith has solidified his position as the best cruiserweight in the UK, notably with his victories over Richard Riakporhe and Lawrence Okolie. Ramirez, on the other hand, was known for dominating opponents in the light heavyweight division and has now made his mark as a champion in the cruiserweight class.
Punch Output in Recent Fights
Once again, we see a fairly even matchup. Both fighters are highly active in their attacks and extremely dangerous when they go on the offensive. Ramirez is exceptionally strong in targeting his opponent's body, while Billam-Smith excels at connecting with his opponent at mid-range, where he is particularly dangerous. Both fighters have strong combination work, so fans can expect consistent exchanges in every round.
Activity in the Ring
Billam-Smith had a critical bout in 2024, defeating Riakporhe, defending his title, and becoming the first fighter to beat Richard in the pros. Ramirez, meanwhile, showcased his skill by outboxing Arsen Goulamirian, becoming the first Mexican cruiserweight champion. Both fighters are in peak condition, having had sufficient rest yet avoiding a prolonged break between fights.
Power
Both fighters are evenly matched in terms of power, both statistically and visually. Billam-Smith is physically strong and brings a highly aggressive approach to the ring. When he connects, he rarely allows his opponent a chance to recover. Ramirez, however, is a more refined fighter, known for his technical and tactical skill, particularly in working his opponent's body. He’s dangerous in exchanges, as he can deliver a powerful punch from any angle.
Ability to Take a Punch
Both fighters have only one loss in their careers, and neither has been stopped by knockout. Ramirez encountered some issues with Bivol’s punches in their bout, despite Bivol not being known as a heavy puncher. However, it’s important to consider that Ramirez had difficulty making weight at light heavyweight due to prolonged weight cuts, which can impact a fighter’s ability to absorb punches. This cruiserweight matchup will serve as a true test of both fighters' chins, as each will be prepared to test the other’s resilience.
The Venue for the Fight
This fight will mark both fighters’ debuts in Riyadh. The event will be broadcast for free through the initiative of Turki Alalshikh. Fans of both the Mexican and British fighter should not expect any distinct home advantage from the crowd.
Mentality and Recent Success
This is perhaps the perfect time for this matchup. Both Billam-Smith and Ramirez enter the fight following major successes. They’ve had time to rest, mentally prepare, and now have the opportunity to debut in Saudi Arabia, further building their reputations. Both fighters seem to be in excellent mental condition for the fight. Ultimately, the result will come down to the tactical plan and boxing skills of each competitor, where Gilberto Ramirez may hold a slight advantage.
If Ramirez can manage the power and aggression of Billam-Smith, his technical skills may allow him to control the fight from round to round. By maintaining his composure and avoiding wild exchanges, he could pave the way to victory and add another belt to his achievements.
Ready to Fight’s Odds of Victory:
- Gilberto Ramirez – 58%
- Chris Billam-Smith – 42%