Two hard-hitting cruiserweights collide on the south coast this weekend when Chris Billam-Smith clashes with Isaac Chamberlain in the former’s hometown of Bournemouth. There’s plenty on the line with the winner potentially set to be offered the chance to take on newly-crowned IBF world champion Jai Opetaia.
Also on the card, Olympic silver medallist Ben Whittaker will make his highly anticipated debut, while super-heavyweight bronze medallist Frazer Clarke returns from injury and Caroline Dubois faces her third pro fight. Here’s everything you need to know…
Where: Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth, Dorset
When: Saturday 30th July, 2022
How To Watch: Sky Sports Action. The coverage will begin at 7pm UK time, with the ringwalks for the main event expected at approximately 10pm.
Tale Of The Tape:
Billam-Smith
Place Of Birth: Epsom, Surrey
Residence: Bournemouth, Dorset
Age: 31
Alias: The Gentleman
Record: 15-1 (11)
Height: 6’3’’
Reach: 75’’
Stance: Orthodox
Last Fight: The Gentleman stopped Tommy McCarthy in the eighth round of their cruiserweight rematch in April at the Manchester Arena on the undercard of Conor Benn vs Chris van Heerden. In their first encounter, last July, Billam-Smith won a close 12 round split decision.
Chamberlain
Place Of Birth: Brixton, London
Residence: Brixton, London
Age: 28
Alias: Chambo
Record: 14-1 (8)
Height: 6’2’’
Reach: 78’’
Stance: Orthodox
Last Fight: Chamberlain scored an impressive first-round knockout over Dilan Prasovic at the National Sports Centre in Crystal Palace in December.
What They Say:
Billam-Smith:
"I'm so delighted to be fighting back at home in front of my friends, family and supporters.
"Atmosphere is why I got into boxing and on July 30 the atmosphere is going to be electrifying. As I always said, it doesn't matter who is in the other corner, I just want to fight back at home. In front of a home crowd, I always perform."
Chamberlain:
"Now we're on Sky, we're back in the big time and I'm ready to show everyone this is a different Isaac to the one they've seen before.
"This is a massive opportunity and I want to give a huge shout to my manager Mick Hennessey for sticking with me all these years, along with my trainers."
Full Card:
Chris Billam-Smith vs Isaac Chamberlain, cruiserweight
Joe Pigford vs TBA, super-welterweight
Ben Whittaker vs Greg O’Neill, light-heavyweight
Caroline Dubois vs Happy Daudi, lightweight
John Docherty vs Diego Costa, super-middleweight
Frazer Clarke vs TBA, heavyweight
Hassan Azim vs TBA, welterweight
Mikael Lawal vs TBA, cruiserweight
Lee Cutler vs TBA, super-welterweight
Betfred Odds:
Billam-Smith: 8/15
Draw: 18/1
Chamberlain: 8/5
*18+ | BeGambleAware