Chris Billam-Smith is on a mission to reclaim his place at the pinnacle of the cruiserweight division. In an exclusive interview, he reveals his burning desire to prove himself as the best in the world, a goal that fuels his upcoming bout against Ryan Rozicki on June 6th. This fight, set to take place at the Bournemouth International Centre, marks a pivotal moment in Billam-Smith's journey back to the top.
Billam-Smith's ambition is not just about winning; it's about establishing his dominance. He aims to showcase his skills and determination, knowing that a victory over Rozicki could pave the way for a highly anticipated showdown with Jai Opetaia, the current undisputed cruiserweight champion. This fight, he believes, is the stepping stone to his ultimate goal of becoming the undisputed king of the cruiserweights.
"I want to prove I'm the best cruiserweight in the world and keep improving," Billam-Smith asserts. "That's what I've been doing in this year out, improving. That's what I want to be seen as and known as - the No 1 in the world. And I don't do that without beating Opetaia, so that's the aim."
His trainer, Shane McGuigan, shares a similar sentiment, expressing confidence in Billam-Smith's ability to not only secure the Opetaia fight but also emerge victorious. McGuigan highlights Opetaia's vulnerabilities, citing his past setbacks and the potential for Billam-Smith to exploit them. However, he also acknowledges the challenges posed by Opetaia's past victories over formidable opponents like Mairis Briedis.
"There's vulnerabilities there with Jai Opetaia," McGuigan notes. "Let's be real. He's been hurt before by [David] Nyika but he got complacent in that fight and he got hit with a great shot. For us it's how to force our fight on him and, without giving away too much, how to force him into our fight."
Billam-Smith's approach to the fight is characterized by his aggressive and attacking style, which McGuigan believes sets him apart from Opetaia's past opponents. "Chris is more of an aggressive fighter, more of an attacking fighter [than Briedis]. He fights in waves and throws ferocious combinations and changes the tempo up a lot so it's not as easy to prepare for, we don't believe."
The fight against Rozicki is not just a step towards Billam-Smith's ultimate goal; it's also a chance for him to showcase his skills and determination to the world. As he steps into the ring, he carries the weight of his ambitions, knowing that a successful outcome could propel him to the top of the cruiserweight division. The question remains: will he be able to prove himself as the best in the world and secure his place in boxing history?
