While Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson has the world talking and could prove to be the most watched bout in history, one of THE fights of the year actually takes place the following day. Best of all, unlike Paul vs. Tyson, this world title fight will be free to watch live on DAZN.
As Iron Mike steps into the ring for the first time in 19-years and YouTuber Paul fights for just a 12th time on Friday, Saturday night will witness two boxers in their prime and at their peak go toe-to-toe in a unification battle.
WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez faces WBO World Cruiserweight belt holder Chris Billam-Smith as part of Riyadh Season's Latino Night card. DAZN is making this epic fight, and whole undercard, free to watch, whether you are a current subscriber or completely new to DAZN.
Mexican Ramirez is now a two-weight world champion after claiming the WBA crown in May by defeating Arsen Goulamirian by unanimous decision. With a record of 46-1 (30 KO's), and his only defeat coming against the great Dmitrii Bivol, it might be strange to say Zurdo still has a point to prove due to question marks over the quality of some of his previous opponents.
Saturday night will provide the platform to silence those doubters, as Ramirez is only too aware.
"Yes, this is an opportunity," Ramirez told DAZN. "People will definitely talk, no matter what I do. "I'm a big guy, and I'm strong and I think I have a lot of skills [which I will show on Saturday]."
Billam-Smith is a fighter who has been patient in his rise to world title success, often fighting away from the headlines and more glamorous fight cards. But now he gets his deserved chance in the full limelight and to showcase his vast skills.
At 20-1 (13 KO's) the British fighter won his WBO belt in 2023 with victory over Lawrence Okolie at the home of his beloved Bournemouth FC, the Vitality Stadium. He has gone on to successfully defend his title twice, defeating Mateusz Masternak at the back end of 2023, and, most recently, Richard Riakporhe in June.
Now, he believes Zurdo gives him the perfect dance partner to elevate him to the next level.
"I think he’s the best fighter that I’ve faced and that’s how it should be for a unification fight," Billam-Smith told DAZN.
"He’ll definitely bring the best out of me, and I’ll have to be the best version of myself to beat him."
Meanwhile the undercard will see some intriguing duels also, with Jose Carlos Ramirez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr at super lightweight; lightweight Wiliam Zepeda Segura going up against Tevin Farmer; and Oscar Collazo putting his WBO minimumweight crown on the line against Thammanoon Niyomtrong
So, while Paul versus Tyson in Texas is not one to miss for many, at least for the novelty, the fight that will provide the best entertainment and showcase real boxing prowess will be Saturday evening in Riyadh. That is the one you really do not want to miss.
How to watch Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez vs. Chris Billam-Smith free on DAZN on Saturday
Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez vs. Chris Billam-Smith and the whole undercard will be broadcast live and for free on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe.
If you are already a DAZN subscriber then this fight is included in your membership.
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