Chris Billam-Smith is a boxer on a mission in 2023.
The Englishman has big plans, including a world title, a chance to redeem himself against an old foe and a fight at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.
But first, the 32-year-old is aiming to continue a hot streak to cap off what has been a standout year.
‘The Gentleman’ scored massive victories over direct rivals Tommy McCarthy and Isaac Chamberland to become one of the top contenders in the country at 200 pounds, became a father, bought a house and made headlines in his hometown.
On Saturday, he will face Kosovo’s Armend Xhoxhaj at the Bournemouth International Centre.
“It’s been a crazy year, but for good reason,” says Billam-Smith, from Bournemouth.
“I’m riding a huge wave of momentum with the wins over McCarthy and Chamberlain and I have to keep that momentum going because if I have a flat performance the last two wins are forgotten.
“People only remember your last performance.”
“I was consistent, even in defeat”
Billam-Smith had hoped his last fight of the year would be against Richard Riakporhe.
The two met in 2019, with Billam-Smith losing a split decision to fellow Briton. Had he not taken a permanent count in the seventh round, it would have been a draw.
That remains the only blemish on Billam-Smith’s 17-fight record, and he’s since put together a seven-fight winning streak.
“I didn’t have to rebuild, but I relied on that fight and the experience I gained,” he says.
“I was consistent even in the loss. There was still progression from the previous fight, and to carry on from there and learn.”
Billam-Smith says he would have jumped at the chance for another fight with Riakporhe – who took his record to 15-0 – but the Londoner refused.
Both are looking to clinch world titles in 2023, and Billam-Smith says he will fight Riakporhe next if the opportunity arises.
“All I’ve heard is that he won’t fight me at Bournemouth,” Billam-Smith says, although he admits he’s not sure that’s true.
“I believe I’ll beat him next time, so I don’t really have any reservations about taking him.”
Bringing a world title fight to Bournemouth
Victory over Xhoxhaj could set Billam-Smith up for a world title.
The cruiserweight division has four world champions – Ilunga Makabu, Arsen Goulamirian, Jai Opetaia and Lawrence Okolie. All but Makabu are undefeated.
Billam-Smith says it’s very likely he will fight Opetaia.
“It’s a really tough fight,” he said. “He’s a skilled operator. He also got a great win against Mairis Briedis.
“He’s probably number one in the division right now.
“Hopefully we can do it at Bournemouth Stadium.”
Riakporhe rematch could be ’20 times bigger’
Billam-Smith has an impressive to-do list for 2023 — world title fight, home stadium fight and potentially even division unification — in addition to renovating and moving into his new home.
“We have a video of some of the rendering on the walls, just to say I was involved,” Billam-Smith laughs, before explaining that his father banned him from the construction site for fear that he would not. hurt his hands.
In the ring, his “perfect” scenario is to fight Riakporhe again when they are both world champions.
But Billam-Smith knows he can’t ignore the unannounced Xhoxhaj.
“I can’t take my eyes off the fight just because some people think it’s an easy win because they’ve never heard of him,” he says.
“[But] Richard and I could both win world titles and get a full rematch for unification. It’s great for us.
“It makes the rematch 20 times more important than the first.”
