Two Major Title Fights, Zepeda-Farmer, J. Ramirez-Barboza Grace Nov. 16 Riyadh Season’s ‘Latino Night’

Two major title fights grace Golden Boy’s ‘Latino Night’ during Riyadh Season.

As previously reported by The Ring, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez (46-1, 30 knockouts) and Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs) collide in a WBA/WBO cruiserweight unification bout. Four more fights were revealed for the Nov. 16 show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Also on the card is a previously budgeted main event that now becomes a strong supporting cast member. Former WBC/WBO 140-pound titlist Jose Ramirez (29-1, 18 KOs) faces unbeaten contender Arnold Barboza (30-0, 11 KOs).

Undefeated lightweight contender William Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) takes on another southpaw in Tevin Farmer (33-6-1, 8 KOs). The fight is undoubtedly to prepare for a title shot versus Shakur Stevenson early next year.

The evening’s other title fight pits unbeaten WBO strawweight beltholder Oscar Collazo (10-0, 7 KOs) versus Edwin Cano (13-2-1, 4 KOs).

WBA No. 1 140-pound contender Kenneth Sims Jr. (21-2-1, 8 KOs) lands the fifth slot on the show versus Mexico’s Oscar Duarte (27-2-1, 22 KOs).

“We are looking forward to staging our first event as part of our partnership with Golden Boy Promotions with Latino Nigh,” stated Turki Alalshikh, head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. “This card features some of the best Latino fighters around and continues our drive to deliver top-tier boxing events by giving fans throughout the world the fights they want to see.”

Added Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy chairman and CEO: “His Excellency and I have the exact same vision — to match the best versus the best for the fans of our sport.

“This show will feature everything great that boxing has to offer.”

Ramirez will attempt the first defense of the title he claimed earlier this year. The former WBO super middleweight titlist dethroned unbeaten Arsen Goulamirian on March 30 in Inglewood, California. It was good enough to see Ramirez ultimately land at No. 3 in The Ring cruiserweight rankings.

“I’m excited to make this fight happen with Chris Billam-Smith,” stated Ramirez. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m looking forward to becoming the unified champion in this division. I’ve always said this was my division, and I’m happy for the opportunity to showcase my skills at this level on a global stage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“Additionally, I hope to be the bridge between Mexico and Saudi Arabia, making both sides proud. I would like to give a special thanks to my team, 3 Point Management, Golden Boy Promotions, Riyadh Season, the WBA, WBO, and everyone else involved in making this happen.”

Billam-Smith is rated No. 1 at cruiserweight. He’s earned that right after his upset win over Lawrence Okolie last May 27 and two subsequent title defenses. His run also inclides a win over Richard Riakporhe in June to avenge his lone career defeat.

The placement of the fight opens the door for both fighters. RING/IBF champ Jai Opetaia is also an active member of the Riyadh Season boxing series. The unbeaten Sydney, Australia native will make his third appearance on that circuit on Oct. 12.

“Riyadh Season continues to deliver the best matches at the top of the sport,” said BOXXER founder Ben Shalom, Billam-Smith’s promoter. “We are delighted to be working with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions to present another epic fight as co-promoters of this huge cruiserweight world title unification battle.

“Gilberto Ramirez is a great champion but Chris Billam-Smith will be coming full of confidence and ready to unify the division.”

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