CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH has given Boxing Information one cause why a rematch with Lawrence Okolie is but to be signed off.
Again in Could the 33-year-old despatched a partisan crowd on the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth into raptures when he defeated Lawrence Okolie to turn into the brand new WBO Cruiserweight champion.
Okolie walked into the house of AFC Bournemouth because the betting favorite and was anticipated by many to retain his title. Nonetheless, the work-rate and hustle of Billam-Smith helped rip up the script and performed their half in securing a majority determination over his former gym-mate.
That was not the whole story, although. Recognized for his ugly techniques, Okolie was deducted some extent for holding in rounds 5 and 7 and likewise discovered himself on the ground within the fourth, tenth and eleventh classes. It was a messy affair, promoted by Boxxer and proven dwell on Sky Sports activities, and one to overlook in a memorable yr for the game contained in the ring.
The previous champion has since chosen to activate a rematch clause, however Billam-Smith says there could also be a problem at present stopping the battle from being introduced.
“I feel he needs the battle,” he stated. “I feel the difficulty could also be with broadcasters due to the way in which he fights. It’s an leisure enterprise, an leisure community, and [his] fights aren’t that entertaining. However contractually to Boxxer he’s contracted for the rematch, so we’ll see what occurs.”
Billam-Smith needs to battle once more by the tip of November and, whereas Okolie will be the front-runner, there’s the Plan B choice of Polish veteran and former European champion Mateusz Masternak.
The cruiserweight division might be about to enter one other busy interval. Subsequent week Jai Opetaia defends his IBF belt towards British hope Jordan Thompson whereas Richard Riakporhe is rumoured to be the subsequent defence for WBA titlist Arsen Goulamirian. Ought to Billam-Smith achieve success in November then 2024 may spell unifications for the Bournemouth supporter.
“The subsequent battle is essential as a result of it’s a straightforward slip-up battle as a result of it’s one after you’ve achieved it,” Billam-Smith stated. “However then after that I’m unifying. The opposite champions on the market are actually good champions however all of them are beatable, and I consider I’m the very best out the lot.
“It’s about attempting to manoeuvre my manner into these fights. Clearly, there’s discuss of Richard getting the Goulamirian battle so I’d love the winner of that, however I’d additionally love Richard to win that as a result of that might be an incredible spectacle for us to have a rematch for a unification. Badou Jack’s vacating the cruiserweight to go as much as bridgerweight and battle there and I’m fairly positive [Ilunga] Makabu’s acquired one other shot towards Noel Mikaelyan so I feel they’re preventing for the WBC title, which I assume will likely be a Don King promotion. That’s by no means a very good factor essentially but when they’re the champions they’re the folks I’m gonna be concentrating on subsequent yr.”
