FAN-FAVOURITE cruiserweight Chris Billam-Smith may have been one win away from a shot at his former world title. However, ‘The Gentleman’ will no longer challenge for the WBO interim belt, having pulled out of a scrap for the strap.
Billam-Smith, 21-2 (13 KOs), famously dethroned Lawrence Okolie in an upset win to claim the WBO cruiserweight world title two years ago, going on to make two defences of the crown.
Yet, when challenging fellow champion Gilberto Ramirez in an attempt to unify the WBO and WBA titles, the inspiring reign of Billam-Smith came to an end, losing a unanimous decision despite a spirited effort.
The 35-year-old bounced back with an eye-catching victory against Brandon Glanton earlier this year and seemed to be on the verge of an attempt at becoming a two-time titlist – poised for a WBO interim title showdown with Germany’s Roman Fress, 23-1 (13 KOs).
Then, doubts as to whether the contest would come to fruition became apparent, as Billam-Smith’s promoters, Boxxer, opted not to place a bid to stage the contest, even with a reduced minimum bid threshold provided by the WBO.
Instead, Fress’ SES Promotions won the rights to the fight with a bid of $156,921, ahead of plans to bring Billam-Smith to Germany.
Although, WBO president Gustavo Olivieri has today revealed that Billam-Smith and Boxxer have not confirmed their participation in the bout within the given time period, and that they have subsequently lost the opportunity to fight Fress for the title.
“Update – WBO Interim Cruiserweight Championship
“Team Billam-Smith, through Boxxer, did not confirm participation under the purse bid won by SES Promotions after a 48-hour extension expired today.
“The WBO will proceed to select the next available contender and rule accordingly.”
Russia’s Umar Salamov, 32-2 (24 KOs), is ranked at #3 and is thus the next highest-rated contender, but the fact that he fought this month could render him unavailable.
Should Salamov not be ready for the quick turnaround, the WBO #4 is Fress’ fellow German, Tahir Kahrovic, 23-0 (15 KOs), meaning a huge all-German cruiserweight clash could be on the cards.
