On The Watch “It’s All About Gilberto Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith”

WBA/WBO Cruiserweight Unification

Last night’s Golden Boy/DAZN Latino Night Main Event between WBA Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 Kos) and WBO Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith (20-2, 13 Kos) was a very competitive throwdown at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Judging by how this bout unraveled, it was clear to me that Chris’ team underestimated what “Zurdo” brought inside that squared circle. Chris’ team assumed that Gilberto wouldn’t be able to stand toe-to-toe with a true Cruiserweight since “Zurdo” was coming from the lower Division of Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight to now Cruiserweight but failed to understand that “Zurdo” was always big and strong at those weights and damn near a weight bully who truly belonged in the Cruiserweight Division.

Prior to this bout, Gilberto defeated Arsen Goulamirian and relieved him from his WBA Cruiserweight Title which brought us to this Unification bout where Gilberto, a seasoned warrior did not back down from the challenge, but did step towards it with his gloves up.

Both combatants had their moments but it was Gilberto who boxed and moved and pressed the action going toe-to-toe outworking Chris, proving himself to be worthy of the Division.

Both warriors banged hard, throwing heavy punches at one another but as the rounds progressed it was Chris who started fading in the later rounds giving the edge to “Zurdo”. That being said I tip my “B” hat to Chris for never succumbing to the pressure when things looked bleak and ending the tough fight on his feet.

After 12 full rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 116-112, 116-112 and 116-113 unanimously for Gilberto Ramirez.

This was a tough and taxing bout for Gilberto but the reward at the end of it was well worth the challenge. With this win “Zurdo” is now a Unified WBA/WBO Cruiserweight Champion and looking to contest the No.1 Dude in the Division, IBF/Ring Magazine Champion Jai Opetaia (26-0, 20 Kos).

Until then, congratulations Gilberto on a very impressive win.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Lawrence Okolie vs Krzysztof Glowacki”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vacant WBO Cruiserweight Title

Matchroom added another Champion to their ever growing stable last night with Lawrence Okolie’s (16-0, 13 Kos) devastating win over Krzysztof Glowacki (31-3, 19 Kos) at the SSE Arena, Wembley.

Glowacki was by far the best opponent to date and Okolie asserted himself quite well inside that squared circle with pure dominance right from the jump.

Okolie showed much improvement under the tutelage of head trainer Shane McGuigan. Okolie looked more polished and a better all-rounded fighter with added patience that benefitted his already God given power.

Although Glowacki had the experience factor in his favor, it was Okolie’s ring generalship that controlled the rounds. Okolie’s power punches and calculated movements prevented Glowacki from settling into any type of effective offence. And when Glowacki did connect with anything substantial it had absolutely no effect on Okolie.

Okolie’s head and body attack were quite visibly affecting Glowacki who was surprisingly struggling at landing anything significate. Round by round Okolie was picking up the pace and laying some serious leather on top of Glowacki visibly tiring body.

That said, the “End Game” came in quickly in the sixth round when Okolie landed a destructive, well- placed right hand that took Glowacki out for the count and prompted the referee to stop the bout as he attempted to beat the count.

With only 16 fights under his belt, Okolie has officially arrived to the “Winner’s circle”. He may not be quite the finished product just yet but he does stand here tonight has the New WBO Cruiserweight Champion of the World.

Congratulations Lawrence, job well done.

Blaze