Boxing’s cruiserweight division has seen an influx in talent over the years. From former champions to rising contenders, various fighters look to prove they belong. The same goes for two new-starts to the division, Gilberto Ramirez and Joe Smith Jr., who face off at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on October 7. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will air on DAZN.
The 32-year-old Ramirez, a former super middleweight champ, is competing in his fourth weight class. Having failed in an attempt to dethrone WBA light heavyweight champ Dmitry Bivol, he now attempts to take over the cruiserweight division. “Zurdo” knows the importance of this fight and is ready for whatever Smith brings to the table.
“I view this upcoming bout as a pivotal moment in my journey to kick-start my campaign in the cruiserweight division,” Ramirez told The Ring. “Facing Joe Smith Jr., a former champion, adds an extra layer of challenge, especially considering the determination and heart he’ll bring into the ring. I’ve mentally rehearsed this match multiple times, fully aware that I must exert every ounce of effort to emerge victorious on that significant night.”
Smith was the first fighter to knock out Eleider Alvarez and he also retired boxing legend Bernard Hopkins. This is his first crack at cruiserweight, and the 34-year-old is ready to get back in the win column following a loss to Artur Beterbiev.
WATCH: Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr., live on DAZN
Per FanDuel, Ramirez is the -220 favorite, while Smith is the +168 underdog. However, Smith, a former light heavyweight champion, is not ready to back down.
“I didn’t really see this fight before it was offered to me,” Smith told Boxing Scene. “But once they mentioned it, yeah, it made sense. The weight is 193, that’s fine. I don’t have to cut weight, and now, as long as everything goes our way, I have a chance to enter 2024 with a shot at becoming a cruiserweight champion.”
Here’s all you need to know about the fight, from channel, time, and card.
How to watch Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr. : TV channel, live stream
Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr. is live on DAZN.
How to watch Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr. in the U.K., Australia, Canada
| Region | TV channel | Live streaming |
| USA | — | DAZN |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK and Ireland | DAZN 1 HD | DAZN |
| Australia | — | DAZN |
Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr. price: How much does the fight cost?
- DAZN monthly subscription: $19.99 on a 12-month contract or $24.99 month-to-month in U.S./ $24.99 per month in Canada/ £9.99 in the U.K. on a 12-month contract, or £19.99 month-to-month/ 13.99 AUD in Australia
- DAZN annual subscription: $224.99 in the U.S., $199.99 in Canada, and £99.99 in the U.K.
What time is Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr. today (ET and PT)?
The Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr. main card begins at 8 p.m. ET or 5 p.m. PT.
Both fighters are scheduled to make their way to the ring around 11:15 p.m. ET or 8:15 p.m. PT, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
What time is Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr. today in the U.K., Australia, Canada?
| Region | Date | Main Card Start Time | Main Event Ring Walks (approx.) |
| USA and Canada (ET) | Saturday, October 7 | 8 p.m. ET | 11:15 p.m ET |
| USA and Canada (PT) | Saturday, October 7 | 5 p.m. PT | 8:15 p.m. PT |
| UK and Ireland | Sunday, October 8 | 1 a.m. BST | 4:15 a.m. BST |
| Australia | Sunday, October 8 | 10 a.m. AEST | 1:15 p.m. AEST |
Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr. fight card
- Gilberto Ramirez vs. Joe Smith Jr.; Cruiserweights
- John Ramirez vs. Ronal Batista; Super Flyweights
- Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Alantez Fox; Super Middleweights
- Tristan Kalkreuth vs. TBA; Cruiserweights