Cruiserweight world champion, Chris Billam-Smith, successfully defended his WBO crown by dispatching Polish contender Mateusz Masternk in eight rounds on Sunday night at Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth.
Seven months on from winning the crown when he defeated Lawrence Okolie, Billam-Smith showed his power once again as he recovered from an awful start where he struggled to get going to force Masternak to remain on his stool at the end of round seven.
"I respect him too much for everything, it was a very complicated fight, if I'm honest. I knew I had hurt his rib, because he slowed down and I didn't let it go. I leave very satisfied" stated Billam-Smith, who now has a record of 19-1, with 13 KO's.
Billam-Smith was a huge favourite going into the bout but he had trouble from the outset as Masternak used his experience to frustrate the local favourite.
Masternak showed a lot of heart and, at the same time, exposed some of the champion's weaknesses, such as the defensive flaws he has in his game. However, in the end, he was unable to capitalize and the injury forced him to forfeit his championship opportunity.
Looking ahead to his return in 2024, the champion said: "We'll see what the future brings for me, starting with Christmas.... But I've always said I want to be undisputed, if I can put the title on the line with any champion, go ahead".
Present at the venue was Richard Riakporhe, the only fighter who has managed to defeat Billam-Smith, but the champion ruled out that for the moment.
All highlights can be found below