IT HAS been almost five years since boxing icon Barry McGuigan arrived in Bournemouth to officially unveil Chris Billam-Smith as a fighter under his management.
Speaking about the man nicknamed The Gentleman that day, he said: “Cruiserweight is a talent-loaded division but I genuinely think Chris is going to make rapid progress and do very well.”
The man nicknamed the Clones Cyclone was spot on with his decision-making.
Sixteen professional contests, 11 knockouts and a European, Commonwealth and British title later – Billam-Smith is still managed by the legendary Irish featherweight, who is set to be present for his next chapter as the journey comes full circle.
Trained by McGuigan’s son Shane, Billam-Smith is the headline act at the BIC on Saturday as he puts his belts on the line against Isaac Chamberlain, live on Sky Sports with the town behind him.
(Pictures: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)
Reflecting on his time working with Billam-Smith, in an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, McGuigan said: “The first time I saw Chris was when he came to spar George Groves down in David Haye’s gym.
“He was a big, gangly kid. He was only a youngster and it was either 2015 or 2016 – but I noticed how tough and residual he was and I was very impressed with his determination to get better and improve.
“When you look at his amateur record, he had two knockouts. Now he has got a good professional knockout record – it’s very impressive.
“Him and Shane have been a phenomenal success story.
“I have got to be careful not to insult him – but I just think he is the epitome of graft and hard work.
“He had very fundamental skills, basic skills but now he has become a real banger, a boxer, he hits great to the body and has a high knockout record.
“He was able to blast out Tommy McCarthy last time and did it in terrific style. Think of the Chris Billam-Smith that fought him the first time and the second time? He was vastly-improved and he is getting better.
“He is still on that trajectory which is going up. Even though he is 31 years old, that’s young for a cruiserweight.
“I’m very impressed with him. He is a lovely young man, got a fabulous family and they are nice people.
“He’s a young ethical, empathetic man. Very conscious of where he’s come from or where he is going. He is the epitome of a gentleman.
“He is a lovely kid and I have an awful lot of respect for him.
“I am very impressed with the way he is progressing.”
With just the one loss on his professional record to Richard Riakporhe two years ago, Billam-Smith has bounced back emphatically – with victory at the BIC this weekend potentially moving him into world title contention.
“If you look at what happened a few weeks ago, the guy considered the number one in the cruiserweight division in Mairis Briedis was beaten relatively soundly on points by an Australian guy called Jai Opetaia,” said McGuigan.
“It’s in many ways cracked open the cruiserweight division.
“Obviously, I don’t want Chris to fight Lawrence Okolie because they are both in the same stable. Lawrence is talking about going to the heavyweight division but you never know what’s going to happen.
“I think he (Billam-Smith) beats Isaac Chamberlain. I think he beats him up and could knock him out.
“More than likely he will certainly beat him soundly on points. He will have some tough moments in there because Chamberlain is no slouch and he can wallop himself – he’s got a good left hook to the body. Chris has got to be conscious of that. We are working on all the elements.
“I watched him spar 12 rounds last Tuesday and then another nine rounds on Thursday and he’s definitely getting better and improving all the time. He was magnificent, really great work.
“He’s the kid that pushes himself to the limit and he’s getting the results from it. Look where he is? European, Commonwealth and British champion. He had to give up the British title of course, because they wanted some other kids to fight for it.
“But think of what we started out with and where we are – and he’s not done yet.
“I am absolutely convinced he will fight for the world cruiserweight title and at the minute, they are all up in the air.
“He beats Ilunga Makabu (WBC world champion) in my opinion. I still think he beats Arsen Goulamirian (WBA super world champion), who is a tougher fight because he is a slugger and a banger.
“I think his future is looking very bright. He has to win and win impressively on Saturday and I think he will do that.”
McGuigan’s own record as a professional stood at an impressive 32 wins from 35 fights, with 28 victories coming inside the scheduled distance.
The legend was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2000 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005.
McGuigan’s father was singer Pat McGuigan and sang the famous ‘Danny Boy’ before several of his fights.
But while emotions will be high for avid Cherries fan Billam-Smith in front of friends and family on Saturday, McGuigan believes he will keep a cool head.
“This whole business is about controlling your emotions, not losing your temper and not raising to the bait because lots of guys will do that,” the 61-year-old said.
“Of course, Chamberlain will try to turn that home crowd against him in the sense that Chris will have 95 per cent of the audience. That’s a dangerous thing and Chris understands that, he has to understand that.
“He can make this an easy fight or a hard fight. He has to use his intelligence and box to the plan that him and Shane have come up with – and stick to it.
“I’m expecting a great night and a great win for Chris.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here