HOMETOWN hero Chris Billam-Smith sealed a memorable unanimous points victory over Isaac Chamberlain to defend his European and Commonwealth cruiserweight championship belts at the BIC.
In front of a packed-out crowd in Bournemouth, the former Poole ABC man extended to 16 wins and one defeat his professional record in a 12-round thriller.
Victory could set the 31-year-old on the way to fighting for a world title in the future.
Chamberlain came to the ring to vociferous boos from a hostile Bournemouth crowd, while Billam-Smith – who entered following a chorus of Nonny’s ‘Red Army’ with a number of Cherries players in attendance – was given a hero’s welcome.
A couple of stiff combination punches from Billam-Smith had Chamberlain under pressure on the ropes in the opening round, while the challenger responded with some slick counter shots.
A strong start to round two put the Dorset fighter in control before Chamberlain landed a shot which caused ‘The Gentleman’ to regroup in a pulsating opening to the contest.
After three rounds, some swelling developed to the left eye of the challenger.
As the pace started to slow, both fighters landed right hands to the head in a tightly-contested round five.
Blood was then shed from the nose of Chamberlain after Billam-Smith landed a stiff jab in round six – the challenger continued to have problems with the swelling on his left eye.
A pair of strong left hooks to the temple from the away fighter caused Billam-Smith some discomfort in round seven.
But roared on by his home fans, Billam-Smith attempted to put daylight between himself and Chamberlain as the duo entered the latter stages.
A brutal combination right in front of his own corner resulted in a huge roar from the BIC crowd with a lethal combination from Billam-Smith wobbling Chamberlain in round 10.
More big shots in round 11 from ‘The Gentleman’ had the home crowd bouncing and blood pouring from the eye of Chamberlain, as the hometown fighter held firm in the 12th to cap a memorable night’s work.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel