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Boxing

Chris Billam-Smith targeted by British light heavyweight star

Chris Billam-Smith targeted by British light heavyweight starDAZN
There could be another world title fight between two Britons, in 2024.

Anthony Yarde could challenge cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith, according to his trainer.

Yarde currently fights at light heavyweight, and recently lost to unified 175lb champion Artur Beterbiev.

For his next fight, he has been linked with the winner of Joshua Buatsi vs. Dan Azeez, which takes place on February 3.

The winner of that clash could have a decent chance of a world title fight over the course of the year, though Beterbiev could finally take on his fellow champion and compatriot, Dmitry Bivol.

However his trainer and manager, Tunde Ajayi, told Sky Sports that a move up the divisions could also tempt him.

"There are some great fights, some great possibilities for Anthony primarily as the fighter and myself as the manager and trainer to explore. We were even talking about big fights up at cruiserweight," Ajayi said.

"I would even go so far, if you put the right proposal to Anthony now, he'll fight Chris Billam-Smith tomorrow. 100 million percent."

Billam-Smith fought last month when he stopped Mateusz Masternak in a hard-fought match-up, and he is not yet committed to a fight this year.

At 175lbs Yarde has notable power and he did have an exciting battle with Beterbiev, who is one of the heaviest punchers, pound-for-pound, in the sport.

"Anthony has been a cruiserweight from the beginning of his career, it's discipline and dedication which has allowed him to make the light-heavyweight division. It's not because he's not willing go and fight bigger guys," Ajayi continued.

"It's no secret, he's a massive light-heavyweight in terms of width. He packs a punch. We know that he's capable of fighting as a cruiserweight no problem.

"We just have to wait and see what comes up. That's the honest truth. We're ready. We're always ready. Anthony's a consummate professional.

"He trains and spars with bigger guys, has performed well against British champions at cruiser and even world champions at cruiser in the gym. So I don't think there'd be any problem with Anthony moving up to that weight and fighting Billam-Smith."

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