Billam-Smith vs Ramirez Boxing Picks: Bet on Decision Win on Nov 16

Despite the circus show that is Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson, we do have some elite-level professional boxing to look forward to when the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles are unified in Saudi Arabia.

England’s Chris Billam-Smith makes his first boxing trip abroad to challenge the most formidable opponent of his career, Mexico’s Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.

One man will walk away with all the gold, but who’s most likely to do so? Fear not; with today’s comprehensive breakdown, you can better understand this high-profile bout and use my analysis and best boxing predictions today to make an informed betting decision!

Billam-Smith vs Ramirez Event Information

• Date and Time: Saturday, November. 16, 2024 – 12:00 p.m. ET
• Location: The Venue, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Promotion: Golden Boy Promotions
• Scheduled Bouts: 6
• Main Event Bout: Gilberto Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith
• Co-Main Event Bout: Arnold Barboza Jr. vs Jose Ramirez

Billam-Smith vs Ramirez Betting Preview

Zurdo: Mexican Grit

Mexico’s prowess in boxing is undeniable, but in the higher weight classes, no fighter stands out in the crowd more than Roberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Not only does he have a 46-1 pro record with 30 knockouts, but the former light heavyweight is a newly crowned champion, and his only loss to date came versus the pound-for-pound great Dmitry Bivol.

Was a move to cruiserweight the best decision of Zurdo’s career? Some would argue yes! Although the majority of his career has largely been versus no-name opponents, his rise at 200 pounds has seen him smash through Joe Smith Jr. before recently collecting the WBA strap from a tough Arsen Goulamirian, where he notably triumphed in 10 rounds out of 12.

Zurdo’s Mexican grit has seemingly been unstoppable lately, but does he have the tools to overcome “The Gentlemen,” who isn’t so gentle?

🇲🇽 Zurdo Ramirez comfortably beat Arsen Goulamirian to win the WBA Cruiserweight title earlier this year in California.

⏭️ Unification fight this Saturday for Zurdo against 🇬🇧 Chris Billam-Smith in Riyadh. pic.twitter.com/1iorFcVIrG

— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) November 13, 2024

The Gentlemen Who Isn’t So Gentle

Richard Riakporhe made the grave mistake of doubting the man he once defeated in 2019. The South Londoner thought he would sail into England’s capital – home territory – and collect his first world title versus a fellow countryman. Chris Billam-Smith had other plans, and as a +200 underdog in boxing betting lines, Bournemouth’s own rectified his past defeat, received a unanimous decision from the judges and has now positioned himself to become the next major player at 200lbs.

Just like the Bitcoin market, doubting the progress of Billam-Smith hasn’t been a successful path for bettors. However, is it too early to get bullish for the up-and-coming Brit, and is he primed to crash during his championship bull run?

Chris Billam-Smith 🇬🇧💥#ZurdoBillamSmith #LatinoNight #RiyadhSeason
pic.twitter.com/ICYyTYzoLT

— #RingsideFracas (@Ringside_Fracas) November 11, 2024

Billam-Smith Respects His Opponent

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Billam-Smith was questioned about his upcoming opponent:

“Obviously, his only previous defeat was with Dmitriy Bivol, who some think is the best light heavyweight in the world and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. You can’t just go, ‘Oh, he shouldn’t be at my weight because his only loss is to someone who’s technically very sound and a phenomenal fighter.’ You can’t just write him off like that.”

‘It’s a good vibe, I have to keep enjoying myself’ 👍

Chris Billam-Smith speaks after his workout ahead of #ZurdoBillamSmith 🗣️#LatinoNight | Saturday | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/jrfTYR37pu

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 13, 2024

Billam-Smith vs Ramirez : The Tale of the Tape

Remember to check the latest boxing news before placing your bets.

Billam-Smith vs Ramirez: In the Ring

When it comes to punch output and lean-backs, Ramirez is that guy! The Mexican presents a varied shot variety in the ring. As a southpaw, he can deliver those awkward angles to give his orthodox opponent, who has limited experience versus southpaws, something to worry about. Moreover, and perhaps his most impressive trait, is what’s built into his Mexican DNA: Durability!

Watching the likes of Goulamirian land clean shots for Zurdo to fire back effortlessly was ultra impressive. There’s a reason why 47 opponents haven’t been able to knock him down, and that steel chin undoubtedly makes up for some of the defensive deficiencies he presents.

Billam-Smith, with a high-output and pressure-based style, might struggle to give Zurdo a reason to respect him due to a lack of power. Let’s be clear: the Brit is a point-fighter, and although he’s willing to go to war, playing the long route with such a precise, high-volume southpaw could be his downfall.

Those HANDS from Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez 🥊👀

Watch ‘Zurdo’s’ unification bout against Chris Billam-Smith this Saturday, live on Sky Sports Mix 📺 pic.twitter.com/cYdeEmJR1d

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 11, 2024

Billam-Smith vs Ramirez Betting Trends

Here are four betting trends to consider before placing your boxing bet:

• Ramirez hasn’t been knocked out in 47 pro boxing bouts
• Billam-Smith hasn’t been knocked out in 21 pro bouts
• Billam-Smith has gone the distance in 6 of his previous 8 pro bouts
• Ramirez has gone the distance in his 3 most recent fights

How to Bet on Billam-Smith vs Ramirez: My Expert Prediction

Billam-Smith has the opportunity to become the first unified cruiserweight world champion since David Haye 16 years ago! Unfortunately, and although it pains me to say, Saturday’s matchmaking might be too much, too soon. Ramirez is a year younger and holds more than double the experience of the Brit, and said experience is crucial on the big stage.

That said, I don’t take fading my fellow Englishman lightly, and “The Gentlemen” is an underdog who has already proven not to be doubted in such situations. Do I think Billam-Smith can match Bivol’s performance? No. His determination, heart of a lion, and toughness, however, are more than viable to keep him in this fight until the end.

On that note, backing this fight to go the distance at -175 feels like the safest wagering position with respectable boxing odds. I lean on Zurdo for the dub, but the combined toughness of these savages, including the fact that Ramirez’s power has yet to be displayed at cruiserweight, will force the judges to declare a winner.

Bet This Pick: Fight Goes the Distance/Yes (-190)

Take A Look At These Other 2 Boxing Bets Articles:

• Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson Predictions: Old School Meets the New 11/15.
• Boxing Parlay Picks: Bet on Tyson vs Paul and Serrano vs Taylor 11/15.

Questions of the Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.