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EBU cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith is hunting for the right path to secure a world title.
Last Saturday night in Bournemouth, Billam-Smith punched his way to a twelve round unanimous decision over Isaac Chamberlain in an action-fight.
One fighter Billam-Smith will not target – is WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie. The two boxers are stablemates and both are trained by Shane McGuigan.
“Me and Lawrence, we got asked a few years ago about it. But we are friends now and we have both said that fight will never happen,” Billam-Smith told Metro.co.uk.
“We are in the same gym to start with, one of us wouldn’t have a coach in the corner. I think Lawrence’s plan is to unify and then move up. I have my own plans.”
There are several other lucrative possibilities – with newly crowned IBF champion Jai Opetaia, veteran WBC champion Ilunga Makabu and WBA champion Arsen Goulamirian.
“Lawrence is a stablemate so I won’t be fighting him. With Makabu and Goulamirian, I’m not sure what will happen with them. It’s a bit crazy but hopefully we will know a little more soon.
And of course there is the possibility of a rematch to avenge his 2019 decision loss to Richard Riakporhe.
“The rematch will always be talked about because it was such a close fight and because of what I have done since,” Billam-Smith said. “I think if we keep winning then that fight makes sense for a world title. A domestic clash, it is exactly what makes sense. If it happens, it will have to have a world title on the line, be it a vacant one or if one of us goes and claims one first. It is one I would like to happen but I don’t sit and dwell on it and it won’t define my career.”