PROUD dad Chris Billam-Smith revealed how he was hoping to get the job done early against Isaac Chamberlain at the BIC on Saturday – so wife Mia could get back to new-born son Frank!
The couple welcomed their first child into the world around nine weeks ago, with the Dorset fighter balancing punching power with changing nappies since his arrival.
Asked how he was dealing with fatherhood, the 31-year-old told the Daily Echo: “He’s amazing. He is a right happy character with huge smiles and I am enjoying it.
“I am struggling at times because I’m away all week, so it is hard being away but it will all be worth it on Sunday when I wake up next to him with my belts and I’m still European and Commonwealth champion.
“I have always said that nothing is really a sacrifice because you are improving in an area. If you are missing a birthday or a wedding, it’s not really a sacrifice.
“But when it’s time away from a new-born it’s definitely a sacrifice, so this camp has definitely seen some sacrifices made by being away from him and Mia. It’s going to be all worth it on Saturday night.”
Mia is always in attendance when the man nicknamed ‘The Gentleman’ competes, meaning she will be away from baby Frank while Billam-Smith defends his European and Commonwealth belts.
“Thankfully Mia’s sister has agreed to come and look after him,” said the Dorset puncher.
“She will be looking after him and Mia is going to go back after the fight. She will take him on for the rest of the night.
“I will come back after a few celebrations, thanking some friends and family and celebrating with them.
“Mia will have the stress of thinking about him and she struggles on fight night anyway because it’s her husband in the ring. It’ll be difficult for Mia for sure, but she knows he is in safe hands.
“Hopefully, I can go in there, get the job done as early as possible so she can go back and see Frank!
“He will be nine weeks old by the time the fight comes – it will be a cool story to tell him one day and show him the posters, pictures, videos and stuff.
“It’s a nice story and he is just motivation for me in general – it’ll be amazing on the night.”
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