AN EMOTIONAL Chris Billam-Smith dedicated the “greatest night” of his career to his mum, who is currently battling breast cancer.
Billam-Smith, a lifelong Cherries fan, reached the pinnacle, winning a world title in his hometown, in the centre of the pitch at Vitality Stadium.
The Bournemouth favourite became the first man to defeat Lawrence Okolie, to win the WBO cruiserweight title, on points after 12 rounds in which Billam-Smith knocked his opponent down three times.
Speaking to Sky Sports in the ring after the victory, Billam-Smith said: “I just want to dedicate this to my mum, who has got breast cancer at the moment.
“Mum, this is for you. I love you so much, thank you.”
He added: “I’ll never top this I don’t think.
“There’s a lot of things I didn’t think I’d top, but this is crazy. I probably sound concussed because I have no words. I’m not, but I have no words to sum this up.
“This is the greatest night of my career and it probably always will be.
“Thank you everyone. You created this for me and you’ve helped me achieve my dream here.
“I’ve just won a world title at Dean Court, in front of my home town. That is the greatest thing I will ever say.”
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