Weekend Review: Gilberto Ramirez back, Leigh Wood delivers more drama

Weekend Review: Gilberto Ramirez is back and Leigh Wood delivered more drama.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Gilberto Ramirez

The former 168-pound titleholder is back, such as that is. Light heavyweight champ Dmitry Bivol exposed his limitations by easily outpointing him this past November. That fight demonstrated that Ramirez (45-1, 30 KOs) is a solid, unusually durable boxer but doesn’t’ have the speed, athleticism or punching power (at the higher weights) to take down a pound-for-pound talent. Joe Smith Jr. (28-5, 22 KOs)? That’s a different story. Ramirez will generally thrive against an opponent like that, as we saw when he defeated the even-more limited American by a one-sided decision at a 193-pound catch weight Saturday in Las Vegas. It wasn’t exciting but it was efficient. Ramirez is talented and experienced enough to do better at 200 pounds than has at 175, where Bivol and Artur Beterbiev still reside. Ramirez will never be a special fighter but he has a decent chance of winning a major belt in a second division 32 pounds heavier than the limit at super middleweight, at which he won his first title. That’s special.

 

BIGGEST WINNER II
Leigh Wood

The 126-pound titleholder probably won’t be remembered as one of the best fighters England has produced. He’s one of the most exciting, though. The same man who knocked Michael Conlan out of the ring in the final round to win a fight he was losing last year delivered another unlikely victory on Saturday in Sheffield, where he was behind on the cards and was nearly stopped himself only to brutally knock out former champion Josh Warrington (31-3-1, 8 KOs) in the seventh round and retain his title. Wood (28-3, 17 KOs) was losing all three cards at the time. To say the 35-year-old from Nottingham has the flair for the dramatic is an understatement. I don’t know whether he has the ability to unify at featherweight or win a title at 130 pounds. I do know that his solid ability, toughness and never-ever-say-die mentality would give him a chance to beat anyone. Win or lose, you can bet he’s going to entertain the fans. It’s no wonder he’s so popular in his home town.

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Weekend Review: Gilberto Ramirez back, Leigh Wood delivers more drama

Weekend Review: Gilberto Ramirez is back and Leigh Wood delivered more drama.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Gilberto Ramirez

The former 168-pound titleholder is back, such as that is. Light heavyweight champ Dmitry Bivol exposed his limitations by easily outpointing him this past November. That fight demonstrated that Ramirez (45-1, 30 KOs) is a solid, unusually durable boxer but doesn’t’ have the speed, athleticism or punching power (at the higher weights) to take down a pound-for-pound talent. Joe Smith Jr. (28-5, 22 KOs)? That’s a different story. Ramirez will generally thrive against an opponent like that, as we saw when he defeated the even-more limited American by a one-sided decision at a 193-pound catch weight Saturday in Las Vegas. It wasn’t exciting but it was efficient. Ramirez is talented and experienced enough to do better at 200 pounds than has at 175, where Bivol and Artur Beterbiev still reside. Ramirez will never be a special fighter but he has a decent chance of winning a major belt in a second division 32 pounds heavier than the limit at super middleweight, at which he won his first title. That’s special.

 

BIGGEST WINNER II
Leigh Wood

The 126-pound titleholder probably won’t be remembered as one of the best fighters England has produced. He’s one of the most exciting, though. The same man who knocked Michael Conlan out of the ring in the final round to win a fight he was losing last year delivered another unlikely victory on Saturday in Sheffield, where he was behind on the cards and was nearly stopped himself only to brutally knock out former champion Josh Warrington (31-3-1, 8 KOs) in the seventh round and retain his title. Wood (28-3, 17 KOs) was losing all three cards at the time. To say the 35-year-old from Nottingham has the flair for the dramatic is an understatement. I don’t know whether he has the ability to unify at featherweight or win a title at 130 pounds. I do know that his solid ability, toughness and never-ever-say-die mentality would give him a chance to beat anyone. Win or lose, you can bet he’s going to entertain the fans. It’s no wonder he’s so popular in his home town.

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Gilberto Ramirez defeats overmatched Joe Smith Jr. by one-sided decision

Gilberto Ramirez defeated an overmatched Joe Smith Jr. by a one-sided decision Saturday in Las Vegas.

All is right with Gilberto Ramirez again.

The former 168-pound title holder, who lost a one-sided decision to 175-pound champ Dmitry Bivol in November and then missed weight by 7-plus pounds for a scheduled fight that was canceled in March, had his way with Joe Smith Jr. on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Ramirez (45-1, 30 KOs) won nine of the 10 rounds on all three scorecards in a 193-pound catch weight bout, making him a major player in the cruiserweight division.

The 32-year-old southpaw from Mexico picked apart Smith (28-5, 22 KOs) for most of the one-sided fight, doing particularly good work to the body.

Fifty-nine of Ramirez’s total punches landed were to his American counterpart’s stomach, 35%, according to CompuBox. And 51 of the 59 were power shots. He threw 415 punches overall

Smith, a big puncher, landed some clean power shots but couldn’t hurt the rugged Ramirez. The New Yorker landed 119 of his 419 punches.

“This is a new beginning for me,” Ramirez said. “I came back stronger, faster and I came forward. I was a lot smarter in the ring. I think it was a great performance for me. …

“I felt like I was ahead on the cards. I never took any chances because he has heavy hands and brings a lot of heat to the ring.”

The fight was billed as a WBA title eliminator.

Gilberto Ramirez defeats overmatched Joe Smith Jr. by one-sided decision

Gilberto Ramirez defeated an overmatched Joe Smith Jr. by a one-sided decision Saturday in Las Vegas.

All is right with Gilberto Ramirez again.

The former 168-pound title holder, who lost a one-sided decision to 175-pound champ Dmitry Bivol in November and then missed weight by 7-plus pounds for a scheduled fight that was canceled in March, had his way with Joe Smith Jr. on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Ramirez (45-1, 30 KOs) won nine of the 10 rounds on all three scorecards in a 193-pound catch weight bout, making him a major player in the cruiserweight division.

The 32-year-old southpaw from Mexico picked apart Smith (28-5, 22 KOs) for most of the one-sided fight, doing particularly good work to the body.

Fifty-nine of Ramirez’s total punches landed were to his American counterpart’s stomach, 35%, according to CompuBox. And 51 of the 59 were power shots. He threw 415 punches overall

Smith, a big puncher, landed some clean power shots but couldn’t hurt the rugged Ramirez. The New Yorker landed 119 of his 419 punches.

“This is a new beginning for me,” Ramirez said. “I came back stronger, faster and I came forward. I was a lot smarter in the ring. I think it was a great performance for me. …

“I felt like I was ahead on the cards. I never took any chances because he has heavy hands and brings a lot of heat to the ring.”

The fight was billed as a WBA title eliminator.

Joe Smith Jr.’s next title run starts with Gilberto Ramirez

Joe Smith Jr.’s next title run starts with Gilberto Ramirez on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Joe Smith Jr. has never shied away from tough challenges.

The former 175-pound beltholder fought both Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev in title fights and lost badly both times, first by decision and then by knockout. He clearly doesn’t have a fear losing and what that can mean in a fighter’s career, as many do.

The 34-year-old New Yorker will be at it again on Saturday in Las Vegas, where he’s scheduled to face former 168-pound champ Gilberto Ramirez at cruiserweight, at which he won’t have to battle scale. They’ll be fighting at a catch weight of 193.

Smith (28-4, 22 KOs) wants a shot at another title as soon as possible, which is why he agreed to face another big-name opponent immediately following his second-round stoppage loss to Beterbiev.

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“One loss and you’re not worth anything anymore,” Smith told FightHype.com, referring to the impact a setback can have. “Me, on the other hand, I jump right into taking those risks, trying to fight the best right away.

“Do I regret it? No. Like I said, light heavyweight was tough for me to make that division, that weight. I wanted to win titles as quickly as I could. It just didn’t work out.”

Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) has had his own problems.

The 32-year-old Mexican was outclassed by Bivol in his attempt to become a two-division champion last November. He then missed weight by 7.6 pounds for his bout with Gabriel Rosado in March and he fight was canceled.

He, too, is embracing a fresh start in a new division and is willing to face a stiff test to move quickly toward a title shot.

Of course, Ramirez isn’t in the class of Bivol or Beterbiev. Smith respects him but also sees weaknesses.

“I think he’s just a very active, busy guy,” he said of his opponent. “He has long range, long reach, likes to get inside and mix it up and just punch. I just have to be in great shape and punch with him. “

Smith didn’t want to divulge what he believes are Ramirez’s vulnerabilities but said his path to victory is clear.

“It’s more just staying busy,” he said, “punching when he makes the mistakes I see.”

Smith and Ramirez were unable to take control of the 175-pound division because of the talents of its champions, Bivol and Beterbiev.

The 200-pound weight class doesn’t have the same impenetrable wall, which could be an open door to a title shot for Smith. The fight on Saturday is being billed as a “title eliminator.”

“Yeah, if I’m offered opportunities, I believe I can get there quickly,” he said. “I can get there quickly and get a title shot and possibly become a two-time champion. But I have to get past Zurdo (Ramirez) to even consider moving on in the cruiserweight division.

“I’ll give it 100 percent and see what happens.”

Joe Smith Jr.’s next title run starts with Gilberto Ramirez

Joe Smith Jr.’s next title run starts with Gilberto Ramirez on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Joe Smith Jr. has never shied away from tough challenges.

The former 175-pound beltholder fought both Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev in title fights and lost badly both times, first by decision and then by knockout. He clearly doesn’t have a fear losing and what that can mean in a fighter’s career, as many do.

The 34-year-old New Yorker will be at it again on Saturday in Las Vegas, where he’s scheduled to face former 168-pound champ Gilberto Ramirez at cruiserweight, at which he won’t have to battle scale. They’ll be fighting at a catch weight of 193.

Smith (28-4, 22 KOs) wants a shot at another title as soon as possible, which is why he agreed to face another big-name opponent immediately following his second-round stoppage loss to Beterbiev.

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“One loss and you’re not worth anything anymore,” Smith told FightHype.com, referring to the impact a setback can have. “Me, on the other hand, I jump right into taking those risks, trying to fight the best right away.

“Do I regret it? No. Like I said, light heavyweight was tough for me to make that division, that weight. I wanted to win titles as quickly as I could. It just didn’t work out.”

Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) has had his own problems.

The 32-year-old Mexican was outclassed by Bivol in his attempt to become a two-division champion last November. He then missed weight by 7.6 pounds for his bout with Gabriel Rosado in March and he fight was canceled.

He, too, is embracing a fresh start in a new division and is willing to face a stiff test to move quickly toward a title shot.

Of course, Ramirez isn’t in the class of Bivol or Beterbiev. Smith respects him but also sees weaknesses.

“I think he’s just a very active, busy guy,” he said of his opponent. “He has long range, long reach, likes to get inside and mix it up and just punch. I just have to be in great shape and punch with him. “

Smith didn’t want to divulge what he believes are Ramirez’s vulnerabilities but said his path to victory is clear.

“It’s more just staying busy,” he said, “punching when he makes the mistakes I see.”

Smith and Ramirez were unable to take control of the 175-pound division because of the talents of its champions, Bivol and Beterbiev.

The 200-pound weight class doesn’t have the same impenetrable wall, which could be an open door to a title shot for Smith. The fight on Saturday is being billed as a “title eliminator.”

“Yeah, if I’m offered opportunities, I believe I can get there quickly,” he said. “I can get there quickly and get a title shot and possibly become a two-time champion. But I have to get past Zurdo (Ramirez) to even consider moving on in the cruiserweight division.

“I’ll give it 100 percent and see what happens.”

Gilberto Ramirez: New division (cruiserweight), fresh start, same goal

Gilberto Ramirez: New division (cruiserweight), fresh start, same goal.

Gilberto Ramirez embarrassed himself the last time he was in the spotlight.

The former 168-pound titleholder was scheduled to face veteran Gabriel Rosado in a 175-pound bout in March, his first fight since he was outpointed by titleholder Dmitry Bivol in November, but he came in a whopping 7.6 pounds overweight and the fight was canceled.

The misstep reflected poorly on the 6-foot-2½-inch Mexican but it also told him what he must do: move up to cruiserweight.

Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) is scheduled to face former 175-pound titleholder Joe Smith Jr. at a catch weight of 193 pounds Saturday night in Las Vegas (DAZN). Weight shouldn’t be a problem.

“This fight marks my move up to the cruiserweight division,” Ramirez said, per BoxingScene.com. “This decision is based on a combination of factors that my team and I carefully considered.

“One of the main reasons is my natural growth and development as an athlete. As I’ve progressed during my career, I’ve gained muscle mass and strength, making it more suitable for me to compete in the cruiserweight division.

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He went on: “We believe that this move will provide exciting new challenges and opportunities for me. The cruiserweight division is known for its competitive and diverse talent pool, and I’m eager to test my skills against opponents with different styles and strengths.

“This transition also aligns with my long-term goals in the sport, and I’m confident that I’ll be able to make a positive impact in this new weight class. I’ve worked closely with my coaches and trainers to ensure a smooth transition in terms of training, strategy, and overall preparation.

“While it is a new chapter in my career, I’m embracing the change and looking forward to proving myself at cruiserweight.”

Ramirez wanted to face a big-name opponent in his 200-pound debut to shorten his path to a title shot.

Smith (28-4, 22 KOs) is coming off a second-round knockout loss to Artur Beterbiev in a 175-pound title-unification clash in June of last year, which cost the New Yorker his belt.

“I have nothing but respect for Joe,” Ramirez said. “He is a hard hitter and former world champion. But when I made this move to cruiserweight, I specifically asked my promoter for the toughest guys in the division to create a path to a world title fight.

“I’m a fighter, and there has never been a fight I’ve dodged or turned down in my career and this is no different. Of course, any fight at this level will definitely shape the future and the next possible steps.

“I know how hard the stakes are and I want to prove to myself that I can be a world champion in this division.”

Gilberto Ramirez: New division (cruiserweight), fresh start, same goal

Gilberto Ramirez: New division (cruiserweight), fresh start, same goal.

Gilberto Ramirez embarrassed himself the last time he was in the spotlight.

The former 168-pound titleholder was scheduled to face veteran Gabriel Rosado in a 175-pound bout in March, his first fight since he was outpointed by titleholder Dmitry Bivol in November, but he came in a whopping 7.6 pounds overweight and the fight was canceled.

The misstep reflected poorly on the 6-foot-2½-inch Mexican but it also told him what he must do: move up to cruiserweight.

Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) is scheduled to face former 175-pound titleholder Joe Smith Jr. at a catch weight of 193 pounds Saturday night in Las Vegas (DAZN). Weight shouldn’t be a problem.

“This fight marks my move up to the cruiserweight division,” Ramirez said, per BoxingScene.com. “This decision is based on a combination of factors that my team and I carefully considered.

“One of the main reasons is my natural growth and development as an athlete. As I’ve progressed during my career, I’ve gained muscle mass and strength, making it more suitable for me to compete in the cruiserweight division.

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He went on: “We believe that this move will provide exciting new challenges and opportunities for me. The cruiserweight division is known for its competitive and diverse talent pool, and I’m eager to test my skills against opponents with different styles and strengths.

“This transition also aligns with my long-term goals in the sport, and I’m confident that I’ll be able to make a positive impact in this new weight class. I’ve worked closely with my coaches and trainers to ensure a smooth transition in terms of training, strategy, and overall preparation.

“While it is a new chapter in my career, I’m embracing the change and looking forward to proving myself at cruiserweight.”

Ramirez wanted to face a big-name opponent in his 200-pound debut to shorten his path to a title shot.

Smith (28-4, 22 KOs) is coming off a second-round knockout loss to Artur Beterbiev in a 175-pound title-unification clash in June of last year, which cost the New Yorker his belt.

“I have nothing but respect for Joe,” Ramirez said. “He is a hard hitter and former world champion. But when I made this move to cruiserweight, I specifically asked my promoter for the toughest guys in the division to create a path to a world title fight.

“I’m a fighter, and there has never been a fight I’ve dodged or turned down in my career and this is no different. Of course, any fight at this level will definitely shape the future and the next possible steps.

“I know how hard the stakes are and I want to prove to myself that I can be a world champion in this division.”

Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr.: Date, time, how to watch, background

Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr.: Date, time, how to watch, background.

Light heavyweight contenders Gilberto Ramirez and Joe Smith Jr. are scheduled to meet in a pivotal fight for both men in Las Vegas.

GILBERTO RAMIREZ (44-1, 30 KOs)
VS. JOE SMITH JR. (28-4, 22 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 7
  • Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Cruiserweight (200 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Odds: NA
  • Pound-for-pound: None
  • Also on the card: John Ramirez vs. Ronal Batista, junior bantamweights; Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Alantez Fox, super middleweights
  • Prediction: Ramirez UD
  • Background: Ramirez and Smith will both be trying to bounce back from damaging losses. Ramirez, a former 168-pound titleholder, won five consecutive fights after moving up to 175 but met his match in gifted champion Dmitry Bivol, who handed the 32-year-old Mexican his first professional defeat by a one-sided unanimous decision last November. Smith, a limited technician with immense power, won a light heavyweight title by outpointing Jesse Hart in 2020 and successfully defended three times. Then he ran into a monster in Artur Beterbiev, who needed less than two full rounds to knock out Smith in a title-unification bout on June 18. Ramirez was scheduled to fight Gabriel Rosado in March but came in 7.6 pounds overweight and the fight was canceled. The winner on Saturday will take a significant step toward a shot at another belt. The loser, particularly if he loses badly, could be in for an uphill battle to remain a major player in the division.

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Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr.: Date, time, how to watch, background

Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr.: Date, time, how to watch, background.

Light heavyweight contenders Gilberto Ramirez and Joe Smith Jr. are scheduled to meet in a pivotal fight for both men in Las Vegas.

GILBERTO RAMIREZ (44-1, 30 KOs)
VS. JOE SMITH JR. (28-4, 22 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 7
  • Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Cruiserweight (200 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Odds: NA
  • Pound-for-pound: None
  • Also on the card: John Ramirez vs. Ronal Batista, junior bantamweights; Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Alantez Fox, super middleweights
  • Prediction: Ramirez UD
  • Background: Ramirez and Smith will both be trying to bounce back from damaging losses. Ramirez, a former 168-pound titleholder, won five consecutive fights after moving up to 175 but met his match in gifted champion Dmitry Bivol, who handed the 32-year-old Mexican his first professional defeat by a one-sided unanimous decision last November. Smith, a limited technician with immense power, won a light heavyweight title by outpointing Jesse Hart in 2020 and successfully defended three times. Then he ran into a monster in Artur Beterbiev, who needed less than two full rounds to knock out Smith in a title-unification bout on June 18. Ramirez was scheduled to fight Gabriel Rosado in March but came in 7.6 pounds overweight and the fight was canceled. The winner on Saturday will take a significant step toward a shot at another belt. The loser, particularly if he loses badly, could be in for an uphill battle to remain a major player in the division.

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