Chris Billam-Smith Prepares for Historic Cruiserweight Unification Bout

WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith, who secured his title at his cherished AFC Bournemouth’s home ground, the sold-out Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, was hoisted by his team, visibly emotional. He then knelt as his wife Mia entered the ring to embrace him, both appearing astonished by the achievement. This memorable occasion marked the night Billam-Smith claimed a world title. Following two successful title defenses, the 34-year-old is now set for his most significant challenge to date: a unification bout against WBA champion and Mexican fighter Gilberto Ramirez, considered his potentially toughest adversary. The fighters, known as ‘The Gentleman’ and ‘Zurdo’, are scheduled to headline an event in Saudi Arabia. Such high-profile events have not consistently been part of Billam-Smith’s career. He aspired to compete in a major boxing event in his native town but did not receive the chance until the summer of 2022. In 2023, he entered his initial world-title contest against Lawrence Okolie as a significant underdog. He faced a similar situation in his second defense, taking on Richard Riakporhe, an opponent who had previously defeated him. Trainer Shane McGuigan commented, “I’ve worked with about 20 fighters and I’ve never seen as many low points in someone’s career as Chris Billam-Smith,” adding, “Whether it’s been in camp, fight opportunities or rubbish money we’ve just had to roll with it and that is testament to him.” This Saturday, Billam-Smith has the chance to achieve a historic milestone. A win would establish him as the first British fighter to unify a cruiserweight title since David Haye. The McGuigan Gym, a compact facility in north London equipped with a boxing ring at one end and numerous bags at the other, including extra bags stacked in a corner for heavy hitting, offers an interesting environment. For this training camp, the gym’s heating was significantly increased, with radiators around the hall operating at maximum capacity. This upcoming fight will mark Billam-Smith’s debut competition in Saudi Arabia. Ramirez’s professional record shows only one defeat across 47 contests. McGuigan stated, “It would be a Cinderella story if he can win. It already is one,” continuing, “We’ve got this far, he’s changed his life financially and goes in the history books as being a world champion, he can beat Ramirez and he will win the fight.” He further expressed, “That being said I don’t want too many more of these training camps, he’s a friend and you can only keep winning and putting your body through so much, and you can only bite down on the gum shield so many times.” McGuigan concluded, “I know that this is not the night it catches up with him but I don’t want to see that happen – I want to see him go out with his brain still intact, he’s got a beautiful family.” Mia Billam-Smith attends all her husband’s boxing matches. His primary supporter is his wife, Mia, whom he met in a bar a decade ago, and they became “pretty inseparable from the off.” Mia informed BBC Sport, “I knew he’d achieve big things with his mindset. He’s like nobody I have ever met before,” adding, “The pressure to perform is a lot for him. I feel that weight too as a wife and a parent, and worry about him and his health – that being said, he’s doing what he loves and I wouldn’t want it any other way.” She also revealed, “I have actually started seeing a therapist to help compartmentalise my fears and manage my emotions, especially around fight week, to stop myself getting too overwhelmed, it is a constant balancing act.” During bouts, Mia is frequently observed seated with family at ringside, often gazing at the floor or away from the boxing area. Throughout training camps, she cares for their young son in Bournemouth while Billam-Smith trains in London, with the family of three coming together on weekends. Mia has shared emotional instances with Chris post-fights, but describes her ringside experience as an “out of body experience.” She explained, “Sometimes I scream and shout, sometimes I dance to music between rounds, often I’m crying with my head in my hands but I honestly am not present mentally,” adding, “I will ask Chris’ brother what round we are on and if he’s OK, because for me that’s all I really care about. “Hearing the final bell go and him being OK is a relief, his safety comes first and the win comes second.” During training camps, Billam-Smith resides with his close friend and roommate, Lee Cutler. Cutler, a former English super-welterweight champion, is also a member of the McGuigan gym stable, training under Josh Pritchard. Cutler was 14 years old when he initially encountered Billam-Smith. Cutler remarked, “It’s great to live around someone like him and see what he’s going through, and all the success he’s had.” The two share an apartment in east London and spend considerable time together. Cutler attributes his flatmate’s achievements partly to his precise routines. Cutler stated, “First thing in the morning he runs a cold bath which he says shocks the nervous system,” and added, “He wears blue light blocking glasses before bed to help him sleep and even has a little whiteboard in his bedroom about his opponents, with their strengths and weaknesses.” “Chris never really comes off plan, especially deep in camp. To be honest he gets better each camp, every time I just see him improving in every aspect,” Cutler observed.