JUST nine months after his title reign came to an end, Chris Billam-Smith is well and truly back in the mix and has now been ordered to fight for an interim world title, as he sets about his goal of becoming a two-time world champion.
Billam-Smith, 21-2 (13 KOs), upset Lawrence Okolie to claim the WBO cruiserweight world title back in 2023 and went on to make two defences of the belt, against Mateusz Masternak and Richard Riakporhe.
However, when attempting to unify the belts with WBA titleholder Gilberto Ramirez, 48-1 (30 KOs), back in November, ‘The Gentleman’ fell short and was defeated for the first time in over six years, losing a unanimous decision to the Mexican.
Whilst many felt as though the Bournemouth fan-favourite could walk away from the sport, having accomplished far more than was ever expected of him, 35-year-old Billam-Smith opted to remain in the game.
In April, Billam-Smith overcame the highly rated Brandon Glanton on the Eubank-Benn to get back to winning ways, silence his doubters and re-enter the world title picture.
Now, the Briton could move one step closer to reclaiming his old title, with the WBO ordering an Interim title bout between he and Germany’s Roman Fress, 23-1 (13 KOs), as per a letter shared on the official WBO website.
“Re: Negotiation Order-WBO Jr. Heavyweight Interim Championship Contest
“Gentleman,
“Please be advised that the Championship Committee orders the commencement of negotiations for the subject matter bout. By virtue of this order, the parties have twenty (20) days from the issuance of this letter to reach an agreement. Failure to do son, will result in the committee ordering purse bids proceedings in accordance with the WBO Regulations for World Championship Contests.
“The minimum bid for the Jr. Heavyweight Division is three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00). Any of the parties may request purse bid proceedings at any time during the negotiation period.
“Lastly, the WBO reserves it’s right to issue any, and all further rulings deemed necessary, helpful and convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of the WBO rules, including, but not limited, to serving those interests that best serve boxing, and the WBO Jr. Heavyweight Division.
“Do not hesitate to contact the WBO Headquarters if you have any questions or concerns.”
Fress’ lone defeat came at the hands of Kosovo’s Armand Xhoxhaj, who went on to face Billam-Smith in his very next fight, where he was knocked out in the fifth-round.
Experienced at the world level and proven against stronger opposition, Billam-Smith is sure to enter the proposed contest as a strong favourite and could tee up a rematch with the currently injured Ramirez, if he is victorious.
