Chris Billam-Smith successfully defended his WBO cruiserweight title for the second time, defeating Richard Liakporhe at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Now he's preparing for a unification bout with a rival champion.
Noel Michaelian, who won the WBC title last year by knocking out Ilunga Makabu, is obligated to defend the belt, but he is keen to fight Billam Smith and is willing to travel to make it happen.
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Andy Scott and John Dennen give their verdict on Chris Billam-Smith's win over Richard Liakporhe and wonder how far he can go in the sport.
“Let's get started,” Michaelian announced.
“He's a great guy and has a huge following in Britain and I'm looking forward to fighting him in Britain because British boxing is at its best right now. The British fans are great and I'd love to fight in Britain,” he said. Sky Sports.
“I'm fast, I have good footwork and, what a lot of people don't know, I have incredible punching power,” he warned.
“I'm a nearly undefeated fighter. I beat Mairis Briedis. [Krzysztof] On their ground, I didn't get the decision and finally beat Makabu. Makabu was a great puncher and a hard hitter, but after only three rounds, he didn't land a single punch. [in],” he added.
“It can adapt to any style…any place, any style.”
“It would be great to share a ring with him in Biram Smith's land.
“It would be great for the sport and I would love to see the match in the UK.”
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Chris Billam-Smith retained his WBO cruiserweight world title with a unanimous decision victory over Richard Liakporhe at Selhurst Park.
However, Chris Billam-Smith may have his own away plans.
He revealed that he is in talks to face Mexican boxer Gilberto Ramirez to unify the WBA and WBO titles.
“He sent me a congratulatory message and said we'd unite when we were ready. I knew he [Arsen] I believe Gouramilian and Golden Boy have already been in contact with BOXXER,” Biram Smith said. Sky Sports News.
“I think November or December is appropriate. [for it]There's a lot at stake, but I think it will happen this year.
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Chris Billam-Smith has praised his “master” trainer Shane McGuigan after sticking to his game plan to beat Richard Riakporhe.
“[Fighting] “I'm very excited because 'Zurdo' Ramirez will likely be fighting in the United States,” he added.
“Going to America was a dream come true. I grew up watching Ricky Hatton and what he was doing here, then I went to America and did well there. I can't believe I'm in this position now. My next fight will probably be overseas, preferably against 'Zard.'
“If it happens in Las Vegas, it would be a great unification fight and I would be fighting Jai Opetaia.” [the IBF champion] After that, it will be phenomenal.
“It would be perfect, especially if Jay could win another belt and we could fight for the undisputed cruiserweight title.”
“Next is unification.”
BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom said: “It was an incredible night at Selhurst Park, a fantastic atmosphere and a phenomenal performance from Chris Biram-Smith. Richard Liakpolu will be disappointed as he wasn't up to form but Chris was more than up to it. He fought to a game plan and executed it to perfection.”
“Next up is a unification fight. It was his third world title fight and he has proven himself to be an elite champion.”
“It's been a lifelong dream of Chris to fight in Las Vegas. A unification bout with 'Zurdo' Ramirez could come to fruition in Las Vegas. Chris is in a good position. He has the freedom to choose his opponent. It's our job to access the options and give him the best fight possible.”
“With what he's done and what he's accomplished, I don't think he'd be able to beat any of the other cruiserweight champions.”
