BEFORE and after the farce of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson there was plenty of compelling action to satisfy boxing fans and remind us all how great a sport it is.
Considering what happened in Texas, it should be easy to separate the Netflix main event from the efforts of Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Gilberto Ramirez, Chris Billam-Smith, and the supporting casts.
While a few will be hurting from the defeats, they have, in fact, enhanced their credibility and reputations. But who will they and the winners be fighting next? Boxing News looks at the potential options.
Taylor (L) and Serrano (R) picked up from where they left off two years ago. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024)
Katie Taylor
The rematch wasn’t as good as the first fight but the bar was set so high it was impossible to match. Yet, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano gave us another fight of the year contender with their contrasting styles gelling once again.
Taylor got the nod but just like first time around there was a strong case for her rival to have got the points verdict. The two have produced 20 rounds of drama that will go down in boxing and sporting history but will we see round 21?
The option of a trilogy appears to be out there for Taylor, but there is also unfinished business with Chantelle Cameron. With the score tied at 1-1, common sense would take us to a third and final fight. Taylor remains the undisputed super-lightweight champion, meaning her undisputed crown at lightweight will likely be taken from her, freeing up those belts for others.
Next July, Taylor will celebrate her 39th birthday, and her 26th fight could well be her last. Based on results alone, a third instalment against Cameron makes the most sense. However, there may also be a chance she moves to welterweight if another of her old rivals, Natasha Jonas, becomes unified champion next month. Winning world titles in a third weight class will surely pique the interest of the Irish sensation.
The new unified cruiserweight champion ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez. (Golden Boy Promotions/Cris Esqueda)
Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez
The Mexican had fought 47 times prior to last night but there hadn’t been a performance that told us an awful lot about ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez. Against Chris Billam-Smith, however, Ramirez became not only the unified cruiserweight champion but one of the best fighters in the world.
Billam-Smith made Ramirez fight fire with fire and pull out his complete repertoire of shots that were needed to fend off the tough Brit. It was not only a performance and win to be proud of but one to be remembered for as well.
Not since Oleksandr Usyk has the cruiserweight division and had an undisputed champion, but Ramirez is halfway there. In his way are Jai Opetaia (IBF champion) and Noel Mikaelian (WBC). Riyadh Season and Turki Alalshikh have already done business with Opetaia and Alalshikh wants to see one champion at 200lbs. Opetaia v Ramirez is a fabulous fight which you could debate for hours. It remains to be seen, however, if a mandatory will be called for Ramirez or if the road is clear to take on Opetaia in what would be one of the most anticipated fights of 2025.
Billam-Smith left everything in the ring against Ramirez. (Golden Boy Promotions/Cris Esqueda)
‘The Gentleman’ will take a well-earned rest after the defeat to Ramirez. His courage, chin and determination kept him going through 12 tough rounds against an opponent who had that bit more in his arsenal.
Billam-Smith wasn’t completely outdone and had successful moments early in the fight and during a second wind in the final third. His 18-month reign as WBO cruiserweight champion, however, is now over, but he should hold his head high.
The 34-year-old has got out of boxing far more than he expected when he turned professional several years ago. Rarely has he won a fight easily, and because of that and good competition, more miles have been added to a 22-fight clock than normal. We may be reaching the end of another feel-good story in boxing but it would be a surprise if he wanted to go out on a loss.
One more night in Bournemouth, headlining The BIC (Bournemouth International Centre) in front of his own fans and a sold-out venue could be the perfect swansong. Sergey Kovalev or Jean Pascal may be way past their best, but they bring name value and are an ideal opportunity for CBS to bow out in style.
His dream of fighting in America could come to fruition against Joe Smith Jr. It might not be Vegas and it may not even be a main event but it ticks off another of the bucket list. But if Billam-Smith is to carry on looking to seek out a second world title opportunity he may have to wait a while and time really isn’t on his side.