COMMONWEALTH champion Chris Billam-Smith believes close friend Lee Cutler can emulate his own title-winning success and help enhance the area’s growing boxing reputation.

Originally from Verwood but now based in Parkstone, Cutler has powered his way to seven wins from as many fights in the pro ranks – claiming four knockout victories on the way.

The explosive middleweight, who turned professional in 2018, is already ranked inside the top 20 in the UK, despite having fewer fights than all of those rated above him.

And Billam-Smith believes it is only a matter of time before the 24-year-old begins to pick up titles.

Asked about former Parkstone ABC star Cutler, Billam-Smith told the Daily Echo: “Lee is a natural athlete – he’s very athletic. He’s powerful, fast. He’s got an eye for boxing.

“He’s a good mate of mine as well. It’s great to see him doing well. He is headlining his own shows down here now.

“He picks things up, watches all the time, tries things out and it just comes naturally to him.

“He has worked as hard as I have for god knows how long – he started boxing just after me but he’s a lot younger.

“He’s got time on his side, bundles of ability and when he gets the opportunity, I believe he will take it to box at a higher level.

“It’s hard at the moment because he hasn’t boxed on TV, he hasn’t got a huge backer, but he will get an opportunity against someone soon because he keeps winning in good fashion.

“Hopefully he can get an opportunity for a Southern Area title or maybe another title.

“Once he gets that recognition and those opportunities and wins a title – he will just go through the gears and he’s a very talented lad.”

Cutler had more than 40 fights as an amateur, winning the Senior Novice Championship when he was 17. He also boxed for the English title at two different weights.

Asked how good he could be in the professional arena, Billam-Smith replied: “The only thing that will stop him is him. I genuinely believe that.

“If he doesn’t work hard enough, or stay disciplined enough, that’s the only reason he won’t make it to the top.

“Other than that, he can go all the way.”