Latest news with #ChrisBillamSmith
The Independent
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Former world champion backs Garner-Bellotti to emulate his own ‘war' in Bournemouth
Former WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith says it will be a 'great fight' between Ryan Garner and Reece Bellotti at his old stomping ground this weekend, predicting the Bournemouth International Centre to see another 'war' like his own fight against Isaac Chamberlain. Just like Billam-Smith's scrap with Chamberlain, both the European and Commonwealth titles will be on the line between Garner and Bellotti. Whilst perhaps lacking the pound-for-pound power cruiserweights boast, 'CBS' backs the two super featherweights to put on a dramatic show at the BIC, which will be shown live on DAZN. Bournemouth's hometown hero told The Independent: 'It's a great fight. Actually, I know Reece (Bellotti) quite well, as well (as Ryan Garner). He won the ABAs the year I was in it, but he actually won two ABA titles in the end. 'Very entertaining fighter, nice lad, lovely lad, exciting. 'Ryan's obviously an exciting fighter. I think they're very similar in the sense of their work rate and excitement. They always throw lots of shots, big shots, and I think the difference might just be that Ryan's a little bit more well-polished. 'An exciting fight for the fans – they are going to be in for a treat. I think this would be similar to my fight against (Issac) Chamberlain, in terms of the drama and how entertaining the fight will be.' Coming up to the three-year anniversary of the Chamberlain contest, Billam-Smith was still grateful for the opportunity to fight at the BIC, praising members of his team for finally getting a card staged at the venue. He restarted: 'I'm the person who's boxed there, but my team fought tooth and nail to get a show down to Bournemouth, and then obviously, Ben Shalom and BOXXER eventually did it with the Chamberlain fight and that was it. 'I think there's a lot of thank-yous to a lot of people that are to thank for that happening. Yes, I was the fighter, but the McGuigan family pushed really hard, especially Jake McGuigan. 'He put in so much work and promised that it would be a show. Then it was down to me and Isaac to do what we did. We were lucky that week with the weather. 'It's coming up to three years ago now, it will be this time next week, where we were all on the beach, weighing-in and whatnot. 'I think Jake did so much work and just pushed and pushed to get me down here, which is what we wanted for years.' Professional boxing returned to the BIC for the first time 34 years when Billam-Smith headlined a card in his hometown, taking on fellow Brit Chamberlain in defence of his European and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles. What followed was an all-out war between the two 200-pounders, with the second round in particular a topsy-turvy slugfest. Billam-Smith did more than enough, all three judges scoring the contest 117-111, but combined the two boxers put on a proper show. Since then, boxing has become a staple at Bournemouth's premier venue, with Queensberry following BOXXER in organising shows at the BIC. Billam-Smith continued: 'Then obviously me and Isaac as well, putting on the fight we did. 'With the fans, I think that if that fight had been a messy fight or one that wasn't entertaining, it might not have been as good, it might not have been a buzz that we've had every time since. "The fans as well turned up and put on a show. So there's so many ingredients that go into it, but yes, I a bit of pride, a bit of honour that I'm involved in that, as one of the pieces of the puzzle, which makes it such a great place to box and continue to have shows at.' Having won his world title against Lawrence Okolie at the home stadium of his beloved AFC Bournemouth, Billam-Smith admitted that perhaps he had outgrown the BIC, which holds around 3,200 for boxing events. 'I think so,' 'The Gentleman' responded when asked if the BIC was too small for his fanbase. 'I think it kind of is the case. I mean, it sounds crazy to say - I've seen Oasis at that venue! It's mad to think. 'I mean, last time I boxed there against Masternak, it sold out four weeks early. 'So that shows how much it's grown and how much the fans are behind me down here. We've done the stadium as well, so that was a special night. 'It does seem that the venues down here, well the indoor venue that we have, the BIC is a bit small at the moment. 'Never say never, I could fight there again one day. But I mean, it's very nice to have that problem but at the same time, the stadium, you can't fight at the stadium every three to three to six months either. So it can be difficult.' Whilst Billam-Smith won't be returning to the ring on Saturday night, he will be in attendance at ringside in support of his friend, Garner, and is anticipating an electric atmosphere at the BIC. Having recently travelled to Madison Square Garden in support of gymmate Ellie Scotney earlier this month, 'CBS' believes that Bournemouth's boxing home may even rival the noise made at the historic venue, even if it is far smaller. He shared: 'Well, I was at the Mecca of boxing in Madison Square Garden a few weekends ago - the BIC's a little bit smaller, but the atmosphere is very similar, I will say that! 'But it's amazing. You can see the value in coming down to the coast, putting on shows at the BIC. We didn't realise it until we did it, but it's built for boxing. It really is. It's built for an amazing atmosphere, and that's what it gives you every time. 'I was there in March for Ryan's fight as a fan. Just a spectator, which was an absolute honour and pleasure to be that side of the ropes and just enjoy it for once. 'I had no ties to the show, I know Ryan and wanted him to win, but I wasn't watching my gymmates, where I'm a bit more nervous. 'I just got to be there and enjoy the atmosphere which I once boxed in, and see it on the other side, which is a real honour for me. 'Yes, I was the first one to do it, it's nice and we've done so many great nights there and I love that venue - I loved it before I boxed there. 'So even more so now, the nights I've had there, with the (Issac) Chamberlain war, the (Armend) Xhoxaj knockout, the (Mateusz) Masternak comeback. All those fights they've all been epic in their own right. 'It's great to see other shows there and I'm looking forward to going again on Saturday, then seeing another great atmosphere and seeing the show.' DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Ex-cruiserweight world champion drops verdict on Jake Paul taking ‘shortcut' towards title shot
Chris Billam-Smith understands why governing bodies have offered Jake Paul a "shortcut" by ranking the American, but the former WBO cruiserweight world champion has called for boxing 's top organisations to 'hold some integrity'. YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul was ranked by the WBA at cruiserweight last month, placing the American at 14th in their ratings following his victory over Julio César Chávez Jr at the end of June. Former WBC super middleweight champion Chávez Jr had only fought once in the four years before his fight with Paul, leading many to question the merit of ranking Paul, whose record now stands at 12-1 (7 KOs). Following backlash on social media and from boxing pundits, the WBA have stated they will review Paul's ranking. Paul's current status as a top 15 boxer makes 'The Problem Child' eligible for a title shot with WBA and WBO champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramírez. Billam-Smith, 21-2 (13 KOs), sits at number nine in the WBA rankings and is currently awaiting another world title shot after losing his belt to Ramírez in November 2024. He beat a fellow top 10 cruiserweight contender in the form of Brandon Glanton back in April, but right now things have gone quiet for Billam-Smith. WBC champion Badou Jack has been ordered to rematch Noel Mikaelian, whilst a unification bout between Ramírez and Jai Opetaia looks likely in the near future. Rated at number one with the WBO, third with the IBF, and fourth with the WBC, 'The Gentleman' has found himself waiting in the wings at 200lbs. When asked if Paul's presence in the cruiserweight title picture hindered matchmaking, Billam-Smith told The Independent: 'Yeah - I spoke to certain governing bodies. 'Look, obviously they all want to rank him because the governing bodies get paid sanctioning fees, a percentage of purses. So at the end of the day, professional boxing is a business and I understand everyone's reasons for ranking him, but you have to hold some integrity. 'He has to build, he has to be a decent level cruiserweight before you can rank him in the top 15, which means he can get a title shot. That's my view. I think you need to hold some integrity. 'I understand people aren't going to agree with it, but that is the way the business is. So until the business changes from its roots, from where it is now, to a complete earning-your-right business, then we can't argue that. 'But there's a lot of fundamental changes that would need to happen for that to be the case.' Whilst Billam-Smith does not entirely disagree with ranking Paul, he believes that there has to be enough merit to warrant the American's inclusion in the sanctioning bodies' ratings. 'I have no issue with him getting ranked,' he continued. 'Well, not no issue, but I just understand it. I have no issue with Jake Paul, because he's obviously going to want to maximise everything for him. 'If he can take a shortcut because of his name, and his fanbase, and the money he brings in, credit to him. 'He might not be there on a boxing level, but on a business level, he's done really well. So we've got to respect that. But I think there has to be some merit in ranking him. 'I know the WBO are kind of holding back on ranking him because they can't rank him on (the fact) he beat a career middle/super middleweight, who hasn't boxed in years, in Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. So it's a fine line between that.' Having worked his way up the ranks in Britain to get his own title shot, Billam-Smith is again building towards another world championship fight. Rather than be bitter at Paul or the nature of boxing, the Bournemouth fighter reiterated that he understood why the American would potentially get a shot at a champion. He restarted: 'At the moment, right now, I'd be disappointed in him getting a shot before me. 'Just because of who he's boxed – he hasn't beaten anyone, until he gets even a half-decent win, you can half-understand it and kind of meet in the middle of business and that. 'I understand it – I'm not naive enough. As much as it shouldn't be that way, I understand it is that way. So you can't be too crazy about it. But ideally I get myself a world title, and then he gets a good win under his belt, and then I get the payday! 'But look, that's the way the business is and everyone's out for their own, to do the best for themselves. From the champions' point of view, if they get matched against him, they've earned their right to take that shot. 'So as frustrating as it would be for me, you ask them and look at it from everyone else's point of view, why would they fight me who's a hard fighter, when they could probably have an easier fight for more money? 'In this business, it's very unforgiving. It makes sense.' An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month.
The Independent
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Moses Itauma, Arnold Barboza Jr - Biggest winners and losers of WBO ratings update May 2025
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has announced its latest ratings, clarifying the title landscapes in many of its divisions. Following the refreshing of its lists, many fighters have shot up the rankings, whilst others have dropped away from potential title shots. We take a look at the biggest winners and losers of the WBO's rankings for May. Winners Chris Billam-Smith Chris Billam-Smith's stock has risen after defeating American cruiserweight Brandon Glanton at the end of April, with the Brit fourth with both the WBC and WBA. But it is with the WBO where he is now ranked highest, with the organisation elevating him from fourth to first. It was winning the WBO belt that made Billam-Smith a world champion in 2023, and the Bournemouth fighter defended his title twice before losing it to current holder Gilberto Ramirez. Highly ranked across all four organisations, Billam-Smith appears to be back in title contention six months after losing his world champion status. Ryan Garner Chris Billam-Smith's old haunt, the Bournemouth International Centre, appears to have a new star to fill its seats. Fresh off the back of a sellout in March, Ryan Garner returns there in July for all-British clash with Reece Bellotti at super featherweight. EBU European champion, Garner has entered the WBO's rankings at number 10. Unbeaten in his 17 professional bouts, Garner's hopes of a shot at a world title have been bolstered by his entry into the WBO's top 10. Moses Itauma Shortly after Moses Itauma's brutal second-round knockout of Mike Balogun on Saturday night, WBO president Gustabo Olivieri took to Twitter to confirm his status as the organisation's number one at heavyweight. Olivieri wrote: 'Moses Itauma has climbed the WBO rankings with talent, discipline, and electrifying performances. Now the #1 world-rated heavyweight contender, his moment is approaching. It's only a matter of time before he gets his shot and the world sees a new star emerge.' Despite the 20-year-old's number one status, Olivieri confirmed that Joseph Parker remains the WBO's mandatory challenger for reigning champion Oleksandr Usyk. He added: 'For the record: While Moses Itauma holds the WBO's #1 world ranking in the heavyweight division, this alone does not confer mandatory status. That designation requires defeating top-rated contender(s). Joe Parker remains the official mandatory and retains priority, per WBO rules.' Losers Christian M'Billi French fighter Christian M'Billi's exploits with other organisations has cost him his spot as the second-best super middleweight in the eyes of the WBO. The 30-year-old remains unbeaten in 28 professional bouts, but has not fought since August 2024. M'Billi is set to return to action this summer, facing Maciej Sulęcki in Canada on Saturday, June 27. Whoever wins that bout will receive the WBC's interim super middleweight title, with the full title held by Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez, the undisputed champion that also holds the WBO, WBA, and IBF titles. In a similar vein, heavyweight Justis Huni has lost his number one ranking with the WBO after stepping in last minute to face Fabio Wardley next month for the interim WBA heavyweight title. That has allowed the aforementioned Moses Itauma to rise from second to first in the WBO's ratings. Arnold Barboza Jr Arnold Barboza Jr has enjoyed a long relationship with the WBO, working his way up their ratings in the super lightweight division. In 2020, he earned the WBO international belt, before moving on to the organisation's inter-continental belt. Victory over Jack Catterall in February saw Barboza Jr pick up the interim world title, teeing up a bout with reigning WBO champion Teofimo Lopez. Number one with the organisation before becoming interim champion, Barboza's defeat to Lopez at the start of May has seen the American tumble to fifth in the WBO's super lightweight ratings.
The Independent
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Conor Benn, William Scull, Chris Billam-Smith - Biggest winners and losers of IBF ratings update May 2025
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has revealed its latest ratings. Following another month of boxing, there have been plenty of winners and losers in the latest ratings from the organisation. Winners Conor Benn Conor Benn may not have been victorious in his grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr at the end of April, but he had plenty to take away from the experience. It felt that all eyes were on the pair when they shared a ring at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. The spirit shown inside the ring has helped rehabilitate Benn's public image following his controversies, but there have been further gains from the fight. A natural welterweight that came up to middleweight to face Eubank Jr, Benn has been ranked at fifth place in the IBF's super welterweight ratings, or junior middleweight as they call the 154-pound division. Benn had not been rated by the IBF in April, even as a welterweight, but his new ranking at 154 pounds hints at his future fighting plans. Chris Billam-Smith Chris Billam-Smith returned to the ring for the first time since losing his WBO cruiserweight title at the end of 2024, securing a comfortable win over American Brandon Glanton on the undercard of Conor Benn's clash with Chris Eubank Jr in April. The unanimous decision win was vintage CBS; a slow start focused on flooding the basement of his opponent, before taking control of an all-out war. Billam-Smith's victory has been recognised by the IBF, who have catapulted the Brit into fourth place, despite not having the cruiserweight in their top 15 in April. It now means 'The Gentleman' is ranked fourth by the IBF, WBC, and WBA – suggesting that the Bournemouth boxer firmly remains in the world-title picture despite losing his WBO title in November. Losers William Scull Some might argue that the biggest losers of William Scull's unification bout with Canelo Alvarez were the spectators of the fight, with former IBF champion Scull's retreating tactics and Canelo's cautious approach leading to a dull affair. Scull, who became IBF champion when Alvarez relinquished his belt to chase a more lucrative fight with Edgar Berlanga, might have received his biggest pay day as a boxer, but the Cuban has tumbled down the super-middleweight rankings. The IBF now have him at 11th, suggesting that another world title shot is some distance away from Scull at the time of writing. Brandon Glanton Chris Billam-Smith reaped the rewards for beating Brandon Glanton, so it is perhaps not surprising that the American would be impacted in the opposite direction. Heading into the contest Glanton was rated at 11th in the cruiserweight picture by the IBF, but his decision loss to CBS has seen him drop out of the 15 listed names in the division. At 33-years-old Glanton needed a victory over former world champion Billam-Smith to make an assault on the higher reaches of the cruiserweight division, but now it will take a lot for the American to re-establish himself as a contender, at least with the IBF. Lyndon Arthur Lyndon Arthur was another fighter in action on the Eubank Jr vs Benn undercard. It was Arthur's third clash with Anthony Yarde, having won the first meeting by split decision before being knocked out by his rival in the second. In the end Yarde came out on top in a unanimous decision victory, elevating him from fifth to fourth in the IBF's ratings. Arthur's movement in the rankings was far more dramatic; the 33-year-old dropping from ninth to out of the top 15 in the eyes of the IBF. Zaur Abdulaev Zaur Abdulaev entered 2025 as the highest-rated lightweight by the IBF, despite the fact that the number one spot is unfilled. Abdulaev had earned the number two ranking by defeating Juan Javier Carrasco in October 2024. Last weekend Raymond Muratalla, previously ranked fourth, defeated Abdulaev via a unanimous decision. Whilst Abdulaev has tumbled from second down to 10th, the first and second places are now vacant, meaning that there will be further eliminators to establish mandatory challengers in the lightweight division.
