Chris Billam-Smith has his next fight date made official for Sunday, December 10 at Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, England, where he faces Mateusz Masternak. The newly-crowned British WBO cruiserweight champion makes the first defense of his belt against contender of Poland. The world championship bout is scheduled for 12 rounds.
Billam-Smith (18-1, 12 KOs) landed the title in May also in Bournemouth, where he dethroned former champion Lawrence Okolie by majority decision. Earlier in his career, the 33-year-old native of Epsom, Surrey held the British, Commonwealth and European belts.
“Mateusz Masternak is a superb fighter, he’s proved that throughout his career,” said Billam-Smith. “He’s got double the amount of fights that I have – he’s actually got more KO wins than I have fights – and his only losses are at the very top level. His style matches well with mine and I think it’s going to be a very exciting fight, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Masternak (47-5, 31 KOs) was in action last October in Zakopane, Poland, where he defeated Jason Whateley by unanimous decision. Wroclaw-based 36-year-old former IBF Intercontinental and European titleholder goes through the ropes for the second time in the UK and makes his first attempt to become world champion.
“I think Chris Billam-Smith is a very good boxer,” Masternak said. “He showed his warrior soul in his last fight and proved that he deserves to be champion. I have a lot of respect for him in that way, but I believe more in my skills and my experience.”
“I’ve been dreaming of the world championship since I started boxing. My boxing journey has been like a movie, all the highs and lows. I hope in December we get the best scene. I’m looking forward to fight in England again, the fans create a great atmosphere there.”
Boxing fans can watch Billam-Smith vs Masternak live stream on Sky Sports in the UK and NBC Sports in the US. International live stream is to be confirmed.
The undercard bouts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
In Australia, the event airs live on Monday, December 11.
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