Boxing Coaches McGuigan and Scott Exchange Words Regarding Billam-Smith

Chris Billam-Smith’s coach, Shane McGuigan, who has guided his professional boxing career from its inception, has criticized comments made by rival trainer Malik Scott concerning his fighter. This comes as the British boxer prepares to face Gilberto Ramirez on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Throughout the fight week activities in Riyadh, cruiserweight champions Billam-Smith and Ramirez have maintained a respectful demeanor, exchanging handshakes and smiles during their face-offs. In contrast, at Thursday’s news conference, trainers McGuigan and Scott engaged in a verbal dispute. Earlier, in an interview, Scott had been quoted asserting his belief that Mexican boxer Ramirez is “levels above” Billam-Smith and characterized the upcoming contest as a “mismatch.” McGuigan expressed a differing opinion. “We understand where Malik maybe feels in terms of skill level but this fight isn’t just about skill,” McGuigan stated. “It’s about size, pace and power and resilience. They are going to be big factors in this fight.” He added, “We’ve got lots of respect for Zurdo but (Scott) coming out with trashy comments like that we don’t have respect for.” Billam-Smith, aged 34, currently holds the WBO cruiserweight championship and is looking to secure Ramirez’s WBA title, adding it to his current accolades. Among Billam-Smith’s supporters who have traveled are AFC Bournemouth fans Conor, Donald, and Alex. The Bournemouth native is striving to join an exclusive cohort of British boxers who have simultaneously possessed more than one world championship belt. The event, dubbed “Latino Night,” will be held at The Venue in Saudi Arabia’s capital, featuring a fight card predominantly composed of boxers from the stable of former world champion and current promoter Oscar De La Hoya. Media activities for the fight week have been conducted in the Mexican section of Boulevard World in Riyadh, a park showcasing models and structures of renowned global landmarks. This marks Billam-Smith’s professional debut fighting outside the United Kingdom. Even with the considerable distance from home, several devoted fans have traveled to the Middle East to support their champion. Billam-Smith supporter Alex commented, “Chris is just an inspiration as a human being.” Alex further added, “Any young person coming through looking to get into boxing he is such a good role model, everything about Chris is authentic, he loves Bournemouth too.” Another fan, Conor, remarked, “Chris is such a phenomenal guy.” He continued, “I first came across him through his involvement with a local charity and he is so generous with his time, for a middle aged man like me he is a bit of a hero and he is someone you just want to get behind and believe in.” The ambiance on fight night is anticipated to be different from what Billam-Smith has experienced previously in his career. Unlike the sold-out arenas in Bournemouth, including headlining events at the Vitality Stadium, this venue is expected to host a few thousand attendees, comprising supporters for Ramirez, Billam-Smith, and neutral observers. Billam-Smith informed BBC Sport, “I know my pocket of support will be nice and loud on fight night.” He added, “I’ll be sure to silence Zurdo’s section of support. It’s amazing that a few people have made the trip over, it’s such a long way and not cheap either. “I’m really grateful and this is what drives me, I got into the sport for hearing people chant your name and it is a special feeling.”