Chris Billam-Smith prepared for a potential world title clash in 2023 with a stunning fifth round stoppage over Armed Xhoxhaj.
The Bournemouth man has built momentum in recent years, and he took another step towards the sport’s biggest honours with an emphatic finish that will register the interest of the division's leading fighters.
Billam-Smith made a cautious start to the bout and his slow approach was punished in the fight’s early stages as the Kosovan started confidently.
A brilliant second round saw Xhoxhaj land several right hands and one of them even managed to hurt Billam-Smith as his legs took an age to recover.
Despite the early wobble, Billam-Smith responded well to the setback as he tightened his defence and landed several shots of his own.
Xhoxhaj still pushed the action, but his reckless attacks came at a cost as Billam-Smith unleashed a stunning combination that left Xhoxhaj on the floor. After a quick check, the referee was forced to halt matters.
“Let's go to Dean Court and let's get a world title,” said Billam-Smith when speaking to Sky Sports in the fight’s aftermath.
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