Cruiserweight titleholder Gilberto Ramirez gave thanks for the opportunity to headline his November 16 unification fight with fellow belt holder Chris Billam-Smith in Saudi Arabia.
“Headlining Latino Night is a huge honor,” Ramirez said.
The fighters will face each other in Riyadh, where boxing has found a recent foothold.
“It’s a special opportunity to connect with the Latino community and celebrate our culture through my performance,” Ramirez said. “The energy, passion and pride that come with events like this are something I’m really excited about. This night is even more special with the cultural blend, especially here in Saudi Arabia, where I’ve also drawn a lot of inspiration. It’s a unique experience, and I’m proud to represent both sides.“
Ramirez added that he hopes Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and the engineer of the Novemeber 16 Riyadh Season card, can one day visit Ramirez’s hometown of Mazatlan in Sinaloa, Mexico.
“I’m thrilled with what Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season are doing for boxing. Seeing the sport grow globally with this level of support is inspiring. They’re creating huge opportunities for fighters and fans alike, and I’m optimistic about boxing’s future.
“I’m also excited that this show will be on free TV, letting me reach an even bigger worldwide audience. It’s a great chance for more people to see my journey and connect with what I do in the ring. The exposure is massive, and I’m ready to put on a show for everyone tuning in.”
Ramirez, a southpaw who is 46-1 (30 KOs), became the first Mexican to win a world super middleweight title in 2016, and he won the cruiserweight title in March with a points victory over previously undefeated titleholder Arsen Goulamirian.
Billam-Smith, from Bournemouth, England, is 20-1 (13 KOs).
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