CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH’s WBO interim title fight against Roman Fress will go to purse bids, sanctioning body president Gustavo Olivieri confirmed today.
Current WBO world champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez is recovering from shoulder surgery, which he underwent in July just weeks after defending his WBO and WBA titles against Yuniel Dorticos.
With interim belts serving as a pathway to a full world title shot, the WBO matched Britain’s Billam-Smith, 21-2 (13 KOs), against Germany’s Fress, 23-1 (13 KOs). Olivieri announced on X that both camps had failed to reach an agreement, prompting purse bids to be ordered. Boxxer promote the former WBO champion Billam-Smith, while Fress is represented by Ulf Steinforth’s SES Boxing. The pair occupy the top two spots in the current WBO rankings.
Boxxer, meanwhile, are preparing for their first show on BBC following the end of their broadcast deal with Sky Sports. Last month promoter Ben Shalom said in a press release, “Partnering with the BBC to deliver big-time British boxing on Saturday night TV is a historic moment.
“We’re proud to bring the most entertaining British fighters to the biggest possible audience. This huge platform will give our fights the exposure they deserve and help us take the sport to huge new audiences.”
There was further good news for the promotional outfit earlier this month when highly touted super-lightweight contender Adam Azim signed a new contract with them.
“I know I have the right team around me to take me to the top and continue to build a massive fanbase on the biggest platforms. I’m excited for this next chapter. I want to fight for world titles and test myself against the best fighters out there. I’m ready to show the world what I’m truly capable of.”
Billam-Smith and Fress have both enjoyed the comforts of home advantage for most of their careers, each travelling only once. Billam-Smith has already shared a ring with Ramirez, dropping a points decision to the Mexican in Riyadh 10 months ago. The Bournemouth fighter rebounded with a win over Brandon Glanton on the Chris Eubank Jr–Conor Benn undercard in April.
Fress, 35, has yet to compete in a 12-round contest but beat compatriot Michael Seitz over 10 rounds in May.
