Chris Billam-Smith

Early Life and Amateur Career

 

Chris Billam-Smith was born on August 2, 1990, in Bournemouth, England. Growing up on the south coast, he was introduced to boxing at a young age, developing a passion for the sport that would shape his future. He began training at the Poole ABC gym, where he quickly made a name for himself in the local boxing community. Billam-Smith’s dedication and natural talent were evident from the start, and he soon started competing in amateur bouts.

 

Billam-Smith’s amateur career was marked by significant achievements and notable victories. One of his earliest successes came in 2013 when he won the prestigious ABA Elite Championship in the cruiserweight division. This victory was a testament to his skill and hard work, establishing him as one of the top amateur boxers in the country. His success in national tournaments continued, and he became known for his powerful punches and technical prowess.

 

In 2014, Billam-Smith represented England at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Competing against some of the best amateur boxers from around the world, he gained invaluable experience and showcased his abilities on an international stage. Although he did not medal, his participation in the Commonwealth Games was a significant milestone in his career, providing him with the exposure and confidence needed to pursue a professional career.

 

Professional Career

 

Billam-Smith turned professional on September 16, 2017, with a first-round TKO victory over Russ Henshaw at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth, England. His early career saw a rapid succession of wins, including notable knockouts against Alexandar Todorovic and Jan Hrazdira, showcasing his power and skill in the ring. In 2019, Billam-Smith faced a significant challenge against Richard Riakporhe for the WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight title at The O2 Arena in London. Despite suffering a split decision loss, Billam-Smith’s determination and resilience were evident, and he quickly rebounded with a series of victories. On November 23, 2019, he claimed the vacant Commonwealth cruiserweight title by defeating Craig Glover via TKO in the fifth round at the Liverpool Arena.

 

Billam-Smith continued to build on his success with a series of title defenses and victories. In 2021, he captured the vacant WBA Continental cruiserweight title with a unanimous decision win over Vasil Ducar at Wembley Arena in London. Later that year, he secured the European and British cruiserweight titles with a split decision victory against Tommy McCarthy on July 31 at Matchroom Headquarters in Brentwood, England. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career, as he unified multiple titles and solidified his status as a top contender in the cruiserweight division.

 

A pivotal moment in Billam-Smith’s career came on May 27, 2023, when he faced Lawrence Okolie at Dean Court in Bournemouth, England. Billam-Smith won the WBO cruiserweight title with a majority decision victory, marking his ascent to world champion status. He successfully defended his title against Mateusz Masternak on December 10, 2023, at the Bournemouth International Centre, winning by RTD in the eighth round. This victory, along with his prior knockout of Ellis Zorro on December 23, 2023, further cemented his legacy as one of the top cruiserweights in the world.