WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith says he’s “able to go” for a return to the ring in November – whether or not that’s towards Lawrence Okolie or a unique opponent.
Okolie, who skilled alongside Billam-Smith earlier in his profession, requested for a rematch clause forward of their world title bout in Might – which Billam-Smith received by majority resolution.
A second battle is but to be organized, and requested whether or not there can be a rematch, Billam-Smith informed Sky Sports activities: “Who, and when, are two good questions”.
“Clearly, Lawrence has acquired a rematch clause, so we’re ready to see.
“His crew requested for the rematch clause, we gave him that, in order that was all the time behind our thoughts, that we might should beat him twice to then transfer on and look to unify.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Talking on the Toe2Toe podcast, Callum Smith decribed Chris Billam-Smith’s victory over Lawrence Okolie in entrance of his house followers as a ‘fairy-tale’.
The rivals beforehand skilled collectively at Shane McGuigan’s fitness center, however that partnership was put to the aspect as they fought for the world title in what Billam-Smith referred to as a “fairy story”.
Billam-Smith informed Sky Sports activities he has not spoken to Okolie for the reason that hours after their battle in Might, with the potential rematch nonetheless on his thoughts.
“We have been fitness center mates,” he stated. “We did not ever hang around with one another exterior the fitness center.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Barry Jones questions whether or not Lawrence Okolie was suitably upset after the primary defeat of his skilled profession to Chris Billam-Smith. You may take heed to the newest episode of the Toe2Toe Podcast now.
“We supported and helped one another get to this stage – I stated that to him on the evening.
“We each helped one another get there and now we’re towards one another – that is the best way the enterprise works.
“He texted me the day after the battle, however since then, we’ve not spoken and we have thought we’ll be boxing him once more.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Lawrence Okolie praises the efficiency of Chris Billam-Smith after dropping his WBO cruiserweight world title and insists he’ll make the required changes if the 2 have been to rematch.
Billam-Smith says he’ll battle in November, regardless, after which goal to unify the cruiserweight belts.
He stated: “I feel I’ve hit that prime, and now it is very a lot behind me and about trying ahead – I do not suppose you may sit on it for too lengthy.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Chris Billam-Smith despatched the home-town crowd wild as he delivered Lawrence Okolie’s first knockdown of his skilled profession.
“I am able to go in November, and that was all the time the plan.
“The opposite champions, I feel, in the intervening time are busy and I need to battle this 12 months, so I am going to in all probability have one in between after which look to unify.
“As excessive as that evening was, strolling out into the stadium [the Vitality Stadium in his home town of Bournemouth] – a dream of mine to do as a footballer once I was a child, there’s one other purpose now, and that is to get the opposite belts.”