Boxing News: Chris Billam-Smith has progressed more than anyone could have imagined.
He wasn’t a great amateur before going pro. He wasn’t, for example, an Olympian who appeared to be headed for greatness.
But through a dedicated and steady career, he has steadily ascended the ranks, capturing the British, Commonwealth, and European cruiserweight belts, recovering from setbacks and amassing a vocal and always growing fan base.
He is currently in a position where he may command a crack at the world title after defeating Armend Xhoxhaj at a crowded Bournemouth International Centre on Saturday night with a sensational knockout.
IBF champion Jai Opetaia, who overcame Mairis Briedis earlier this year to become the best boxer in the division, has been singled out by Billam-Smith.
According to Billam-Smith, “I have no words.” “Few people predicted I’d be in this position, on the verge of winning a world championship.
“So the road has been crazy. But it’s not over yet.”
Billam-Smith desires to bring the Opetaia clash to the Bournemouth football stadium, home of his neighbourhood team.
He told Opetaia this: “Let’s do it at the football stadium; come over to England; it’s a lovely area of the world.
“Again, there will be at least four times as many people there as tonight, so I can only picture what it will be like. I hope the environment is wonderful.”
Despite the fact that Xhoxhaj is seldom recognised in the UK, Billam-Smith was greeted warmly at the arena in his hometown.
“Incredible. I’m incredibly appreciative of my fans. They are the reason we are back here, he remarked.
“The fight was fantastic, but the atmosphere was ten times better than the fight, and that’s saying something.
They truly are unbelievable.
Early on in the competition, he did experience some difficulties. “In the second round, he hit me with a few shots. I was mentally calm and with it. Just turned off,” explained Billam-Smith.
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