Chris Billam-Smith

Last updated

Chris Billam-Smith
Chris Billam Smith 2024.png
Billam-Smith in 2024
Born (1990-08-02) 2 August 1990 (age 33)
Epsom, England
Other namesThe Gentleman
Statistics
Weight(s) Cruiserweight
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Reach75 in (191 cm)
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record [1]
Total fights21
Wins20
Wins by KO13
Losses1
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing Flag of England.svg  England
English National Championships
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2016 Liverpool Heavyweight
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2013 Houghton-le-Spring Cruiserweight
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2012 Liverpool Cruiserweight

Chris Billam-Smith (born 2 August 1990) is an English professional boxer who has held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) cruiserweight title since 2023. At regional level, he held the European, British, and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles between 2019 and 2022.

Contents

Amateur career

After training on and off as a youngster, Smith began to take boxing seriously at the age of 16. During a career in which he compiled a record of 32–11 [2] while representing Poole ABC, he fought in several ABA Championships, [3] reaching the finals in 2013 and 2016; losing out to Jack Massey at 86 kg [4] and Cheavon Clarke at 91 kg respectively. [5]

Professional career

Smith made his professional debut on 16 September 2017 under the tutelage of Shane McGuigan, [6] scoring a first-round technical knockout (TKO) victory over Russ Henshaw at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth, Dorset. [7]

After compiling a record of 9–0 (8 KO), he faced fellow undefeated British prospect Richard Riakporhe (9–0, 8 KO) for the WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight title on 20 July 2019 at the O2 Arena in London. The fight was televised live on Sky Sports Box Office as part of the undercard of Dillian Whyte vs. Oscar Rivas. [8] Smith suffered his first professional defeat via split decision (SD) over ten rounds. Two judges scored the bout in favour of Riakporhe with 97–92 and 95–94, while the third scored it 96–93 to Smith. [9]

On 23 November 2019, he fought Craig Glover at the M&S Bank Arena (formerly Echo Arena), Liverpool, with the vacant Commonwealth cruiserweight title on the line. The fight was televised live on Sky Sports in the UK and streamed live on DAZN in the US as part of the undercard for Callum Smith's world title defence against John Ryder. [10] The first-round saw both fighters engage at close-quarters, with Glover suffering a cut above his left eye in the first minute of the bout from an accidental clash of heads. In the second-round, Smith stayed at range behind the jab, landing hooks and straight right hands to bloody Glover's nose. Round three was much of the same, with Smith landing counter hooks as Glover tried to work on the inside. Glover had more success in the fourth, with both fighters landing solid jabs and hooks to the head. In the final 10 seconds of the round, Smith hurt Glover with a straight right hand and followed up with a four punch combination culminating with a left hook which dropped Glover to the canvas seconds before the bell sounding. Less than a minute into the fifth, Smith began to land a variety of heavy punches to the head of Glover, scoring a second knockdown with a powerful left hook to the jaw. Glover was able to get back to his feet before the referee's count of ten only to be met by more heavy shots from Smith, who landed two straight right hands to the side of Glover's head which promoted referee Mark Lyson to call a halt to the contest as Glover was knocked down for a third time, handing Billam-Smith the Commonwealth title via fifth-round TKO. [11] [12]

He made the first defence of his Commonwealth title on 7 August 2020, facing Nathan Thorley at the Matchroom Sport headquarters in Brentwood, Essex, live on Sky Sports as part of the undercard for Terri Harper's world title defence against Natasha Jonas. Following a fast start from Smith, he scored a knockdown at the end of the first round after three left hooks forced Thorley to go down on one knee. After trapping Thorley in a corner in the second round, Smith landed a series of right hands to send Thorley to the canvas for a second time. Smith scored a third knockdown with another right hand, with Thorley again making it back to his feet only to see referee Mark Lyson call a halt to the contest, handing Smith a second-round TKO victory to retain his Commonwealth title. [13] [14]

On 31 July 2021, Billam-Smith faced Tommy McCarthy as part of Matchroom's Fight Camp in a bout where the British, European and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles were at stake. In a very competitive bout, Billam-Smith prevailed by split decision, with scores of 116-112 and 115-114 in his favour, and 115-114 in favour of McCarthy. [15] [16]

Billam-Smith made his first European title defense against Dylan Bregeon on 13 November 2021, at the Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England. He won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 120-109, 119-109 and 119-109. [17] [18]

Billam-Smith fought a rematch with Tommy McCarthy on April 16, 2022, on the undercard of the Conor Benn and Chris van Heerden welterweight bout. [19] He won the fight by an eight-round technical knockout, flooring McCarthy with a right cross. [20]

Billiam-Smith defeated Isaac Chamberlain to retain his Commonwealth and European cruiserweight titles, winning on three scorecards of 117-111. [21] Billiam-Smith vacated the EBU Cruiserweight title in July 2022. [22]

WBO cruiserweight champion

Billam-Smith vs. Okolie

On May 27, 2023 at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, England, Billam-Smith defeated Lawrence Okolie by majority decision to become the new WBO cruiserweight champion. [23] [24]

Billam-Smith vs. Masternak

On December 10, 2023 in Bournemouth, England, Billam-Smith was scheduled to make the first defense of his WBO cruiserweight title against Mateusz Masternak. [25] Billam-Smith defeated Masternak by corner retirement. [26] [27]

Billam-Smith vs. Riakporhe II

Billam-Smith defeated Richard Riakporhe by unanimous decision at Selhurst Park in London, England, on June 15, 2024, to retain his world title and avenge his only previous loss as a professional five years earlier. The ringside judges scored the contest 116-111, 115-112, 115-112. [28] [29] [30] [31]

Personal life

Billam-Smith is a supporter of AFC Bournemouth. [32]

Professional boxing record

21 fights20 wins1 loss
By knockout130
By decision71
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
21Win20–1 Richard Riakporhe UD1215 Jun 2024 Selhurst Park, London, EnglandRetained WBO cruiserweight title
20Win19–1 Mateusz Masternak RTD8 (12), 0:0210 Dec 2023Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth, EnglandRetained WBO cruiserweight title
19Win18–1 Lawrence Okolie MD1227 May 2023 Dean Court, Bournemouth, EnglandWon WBO cruiserweight title
18Win17–1Armend XhoxhajKO5 (12), 1:5217 Dec 2022Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth, England
17Win16–1 Isaac Chamberlain UD1230 Jul 2022 Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth, EnglandRetained European and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles
16Win15–1 Tommy McCarthy TKO8 (12), 1:2816 April 2022 Manchester Arena, Manchester, EnglandRetained European and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles
15Win14–1Dylan BregeonUD1213 Nov 2021 Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, EnglandRetained European cruiserweight title
14Win13–1 Tommy McCarthy SD1231 Jul 2021Matchroom Headquarters, Brentwood, EnglandRetained Commonwealth cruiserweight title;
Won European and vacant British cruiserweight titles
13Win12–1Vasil DucarUD1020 Mar 2021Wembley Arena, London, EnglandWon vacant WBA Continental cruiserweight title
12Win11–1 Nathan Thorley TKO2 (12), 2:057 Aug 2020Matchroom Headquarters, Brentwood, EnglandRetained Commonwealth cruiserweight title
11Win10–1Craig GloverTKO5 (12), 1:4523 Nov 2019 Liverpool Arena, Liverpool, EnglandWon vacant Commonwealth cruiserweight title
10Loss9–1 Richard Riakporhe SD10 20 Jul 2019 The O2 Arena, London, EnglandFor WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight title
9Win9–0Yassine HabachiRTD3 (6), 3:0010 May 2019 Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham, England
8Win8–0Kent KauppinenTKO6 (6), 0:4515 Dec 2018O2 Academy, Bournemouth, England
7Win7–0Robin DupreRTD5 (10), 3:0013 Oct 2018 York Hall, London, England
6Win6–0Michal PleanikPTS816 Jun 2018O2 Academy, Bournemouth, England
5Win5–0Gheorghe DanutRTD5 (6), 3:009 Mar 2018O2 Academy, Bournemouth, England
4Win4–0Laszlo IvanyiKO1 (4), 2:172 Dec 2017 Leicester Arena, Leicester, England
3Win3–0Jan HrazdiraKO2 (4), 0:0611 Nov 2017 Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland
2Win2–0Alexandar TodorovicTKO1 (4), 2:43 14 Oct 2017 Wembley Arena, London, England
1Win1–0Russ HenshawTKO1 (4), 2:0116 Sep 2017 O2 Academy, Bournemouth, England

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "Boxing record for Chris Billam-Smith". BoxRec .
  2. ↑ Daley, Paul J. (4 June 2018). "PROSPECT WATCH | "THE GENTLEMAN" CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH". TOPCLASSBOXING. Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
  3. ↑ "BoxRec: Chris Billam Smith - Amateur career". boxrec.com. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
  4. ↑ "National Elite Championships 2013". England Boxing. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
  5. ↑ "National Elite Championships 2016". England Boxing. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
  6. ↑ Jay, Phil (12 September 2017). "Barry, Shane McGuigan link up with Chris Billam-Smith". World Boxing News. Archived from the original on 27 September 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
  7. ↑ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved 24 November 2019.
  8. ↑ "Whyte vs Rivas: Richard Riakporhe and Chris Billam-Smith risk their unbeaten records on O2 bill". Sky Sports. 3 July 2019. Archived from the original on 13 May 2019. Retrieved 24 November 2019.
  9. ↑ Gilbert, Peter (21 July 2019). "Whyte vs Rivas: Richard Riakpore defeats Chris Billam Smith on points". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 13 November 2019. Retrieved 24 November 2019.
  10. ↑ Christ, Scott (23 November 2019). "Callum Smith vs John Ryder: Live streaming results and coverage". www.badlefthook.com. Archived from the original on 15 January 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
  11. ↑ Donovan, Jake (23 November 2019). "Chris Billam-Smith Drops, Stops Craig Glover in Five". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
  12. ↑ "'It means so much' - Bournemouth's Chris Billam-Smith wins Commonwealth title after brutal stoppage victory over Craig Glover". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  13. ↑ Lewis, Ron (7 August 2020). "Chris Billam-Smith Crushes Thorley To Retain Commonwealth Title". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
  14. ↑ "Harper vs Jonas: Chris Billam-Smith ruthlessly stops Nathan Thorley to defend Commonwealth belt". Sky Sports. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  15. ↑ "McCarthy loses European belt to Billam-Smith". RTE. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  16. ↑ "Chris Billam-Smith Edges Tommy McCarthy With Close Split Decision". Boxing Scene. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  17. ↑ Crocker, Tom (13 November 2021). "Chris Billam-Smith defeats Dylan Bregeon to retain European title". bournemouthecho.co.uk. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  18. ↑ "Chris Billam-Smith Decisions Dylan Bregeon To Retain EBU Title". Boxing Scene. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  19. ↑ Dixon, Tris (12 April 2022). "Chris Billam-Smith Ready To Shine Under The Bright Lights In Rematch With Tommy Mccarthy". ringtv.com. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  20. ↑ Boxing Photos (17 April 2022). "Photos: Chris Billam-Smith Knocks Out Tommy McCarthy in Rematch". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  21. ↑ Lewis, Ron (30 July 2022). "Chris Billam-Smith Decisions Isaac Chamberlain in Grueling Action-Fight". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  22. ↑ Persson, Per Ake (6 September 2022). "Euro News: Chris Billam-Smith, Baraou vs. Prat in November, More". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  23. ↑ "Chris Billam-Smith wins WBO cruiserweight title after toppling previously unbeaten Lawrence Okolie". Fox Sports. 27 May 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  24. ↑ "Chris Billam-Smith Drops Lawrence Okolie Three Times, Wins Stunning Decision For WBO Title". Boxing Scene. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  25. ↑ Iskenderov, Parviz (24 October 2023). "Chris Billam-Smith faces Mateusz Masternak on Dec 10 in Bournemouth, England". FIGHTMAG.
  26. ↑ "Billam-Smith defends title after Masternak exits". ESPN.com. 10 December 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  27. ↑ "Chris Billam-Smith Overcomes Tough Moments, Breaks Down and Stops Mateusz Masternak". Boxing Scene. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  28. ↑ "Chris Billam-Smith Gains Revenge In Victory Over Richard Riakporhe". Boxing Scene. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  29. ↑ "Chris Billam-Smith beats Richard Riakporhe to retain WBO cruiserweight world title at Selhurst Park". Sky Sports. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  30. ↑ "Billam-Smith outpoints Riakporhe to retain world title". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  31. ↑ "Ringside Report: Chris Billam-Smith Gets Sweet Revenge Over Richard Riakporhe". fightpost.co.uk. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  32. ↑ Crocker, Tom (8 November 2023). "Billam-Smith: I couldn't fight same day as Cherries are playing away". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Lawrence Okolie 		Commonwealth cruiserweight champion
23 November 2019 – 2023		Vacant
Vacant
Title last held by
Richard Riakporhe 		British cruiserweight champion
31 July 2021 – 2021
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Mikael Lawal
Preceded by EBU cruiserweight champion
31 July 2021 – 2022
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Michał Cieślak
World boxing titles
Preceded by
Lawrence Okolie
 WBO cruiserweight champion
27 May 2023 – present		Incumbent
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