Daily Echo columnist Chris Billam-Smith exclusively writes about his inclusion on Eddie Hearn's Fight Camp - which was announced this afternoon...

SO it has been announced. I will be fighting on August 7, behind closed doors at Matchroom HQ, live on Sky Sports!

This will be the long-awaited maiden defence of my Commonwealth cruiserweight title.

I'm so excited to get back in the ring, as camp is in full flow and I'm feeling great.

It will be against Nathan Thorley, who I was supposed to be fighting in Cardiff back in May.

Bournemouth Echo:

I'm expecting a tricky fight as Thorley is six foot four, has quick hands and good skills as you'd expect from a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist.

We have got some appropriate sparring lined up, with tall, awkward fighters to ensure I am fully prepared.

Obviously, the main difference will be there are no fans. How to prepare for it has been spoken about a lot.

The atmosphere will be different but once the first bell goes, it's down to business, with or without the crowd.

Who knows what will happen when you're in that moment? But I don’t expect it to affect my performance at all.

I'm expecting to put on the best performance of my career.

Bournemouth Echo:

The experience I've had this year sparring the world number one along with the training I've been doing in lockdown has improved me massively and I'm ready to show everyone what I'm about.

Thanks again for this week’s fan question.

Who is your favourite band and who controls the music in the gym? From Nick James.

Firstly, I love my music.

I have a few favourites, Oasis, The Streets, Bon Iver and of course Kano (the artist of my entrance tune, Hail).

In the gym, I don’t really care what is getting played.

Luke Campbell likes to put on his cheesy pop and dance tunes. Shane McGuigan plays some funk/soul which I much prefer to Luke's choice!

If anyone would like to ask any questions for next week, please contact below.

■ Email: sport@ bournemouthecho.co.uk

■ Instagram/Twitter: @ChrisBillam

Peace out,

CBS