CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH says he doesn’t wish to be “a flash in the pan” forward of the primary defence of his WBO cruiserweight belt. The 33-year-old will probably be on dwelling turf once more when he fights Polish veteran Mateusz Masternak on Sunday December 10 on the Bournemouth International Centre.
Billam-Smith, now ranked second solely to world champion Jai Opetaia, has seen his inventory rise significantly since profitable the title from Lawrence Okolie in a foul-filled encounter at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium in May.
“I don’t want to be a flash in the pan,” Billam-Smith mentioned at at this time’s launch press convention for his battle towards Masternak, who’s regarded as the ninth greatest cruiser on the planet.
“I’ve won the [WBO] world title and I never want to let it go,” the 33-year-old continued. “I’m so motivated, more motivated than ever before. There’s a different type of motivation because you’re not just chasing something, you’re trying to hold on to something and someone’s trying to take something that’s yours. As a father that’s like my second child. That honour of holding the belt I want to keep.”
His coach Shane McGuigan and promoter Ben Shalom spoke of the potential for a detailed battle with each boxers being related in fashion. The Brit, 18-1 (12), is presently priced at 1/5 with Bet365 whereas the Pole is 7/2. Billam-Smith and Masternak do prefer to battle up shut and each possess sturdy whiskers. McGuigan, nevertheless, identified one benefit his fighter will take pleasure in.
“I can see the two of them hurting each other throughout the fight but I don’t think he’s boxed anyone as quick in terms of short-range combinations that Chris does,” McGuigan mentioned.
“He’s incredibly tough. He’s boxed [Yuniel] Dorticos, he’s boxed [Tony] Bellew, big one-punch knockout artists. They’re not slow but [have] good timing. Chris, he surprises you. It’s one of those fights, it’s going to be edge of your seat. He’s [Masternak] probably the most well-rounded boxer he’s boxed. He’s dangerous at all ranges and it should be a fantastic fight.”
British followers might keep in mind Masternak, 47-5 (31), from that shut factors defeat to Bellew in December 2015. In a profession spanning 17 years, the Polish fighter – a former European champion – has solely been stopped as soon as (by Grigory Drozd in 2013) and this contest with Billam-Smith will characterize his first shot at a sanctioning physique belt.
“For 17 years I wait for this time when I can have an opportunity to get a title,” Masternak mentioned by means of a translator.
“During the 17 years I was winning, I was losing. I’ve had tough fights but now is the time to get my dreams for myself and for my fans and for Poland too.”
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