Chris Billam-Smith will target Badu Jack and the WBC bantamweight title in a bid to become world champion once again.
In November, Gilberto Ramirez beat Britain’s Billam-Smith well to win a lopsided decision to unify the WBO and WBA titles.
But the former champion has bounced back from that punishing loss and is gunning for the WBC belt, now held by Badu Jack, after becoming champion.
“I’m back in training and I feel good. I feel really energized and motivated,” Billam-Smith said. Sky Sports.
“I’d like the Badou Jack fight. I think he’s tied with (Ryan) Rosicky. I’d like that fight.”
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Cruiserweight contender Widdall Riley says Billam-Smith is the most dominant bantamweight Britain has ever had and has beaten many good boxers of his generation.
Billam-Smith is ranked No. 4 by the WBC and will be in the frame for his own title shot.
He believes he can come back an improved fighter.” “He was great,” Billam-Smith said of Ramirez.
“He’s a very special fighter. It was a really good experience for me to share the ring with him and learn from it. All I can do is walk away and get better.”
Although he added: “It was a hard loss to take because I was just beaten by someone better.”
Massey calls the CBS fight
Another British cruiserweight coming back from a tough world-class loss to Jack Massey, IBF champion Jai Opetaia stopped Massey on his feet in October.
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Jai Opetaia showed off his nasty combinations when he punished Jack Massey and forced a stoppage in the sixth round
“Pros of taking the fight. At least I can say I have a good chin,” Massey laughed.
“There’s no shame in losing to such an elite fighter. I’ll come back and get back to that level as well.
“He’s just going through everybody, isn’t he, he’s an elite fighter, he’s shown that.
“I’m looking forward to the fight with Ramirez. I don’t think he’ll have any trouble out there, but a good fight.” while it lasts.”
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Billam-Smith admitted he “left everything” in the ring against Ramirez, but the Mexican champion was too smart and skilled.
The Mancunian would like a high-profile fight with Billam-Smith. “We want to get back in time for March. Get a win then we can push for something big,” Massey said. Sky Sports.
“See what Chris Billam-Smith has to say. It’s going to make for a great fight.”
Massey actually beat Billam-Smith more than a decade ago when they were amateur boxers in the ABA National Finals.
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Highlights from Ramirez’s clash with Billam-Smith for the WBA and WBO titles
“We’ve both bounced around since then, but it’s definitely a great fight for me and it’s a fight I’m very, very confident I’m going to go in there and beat Chris Billam-Smith,” Massey said.
“We both lost at that level and we both want to get up to that level. It makes sense that whoever wins is fighting for the world title.
“It definitely makes sense and what a great fight it would be. We both have good chins. We both like to go against each other. It’s going to be a great fight.”
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Shane McGuigan felt Ramirez was winning Billam-Smith’s rounds with “less effort” and that was the telling factor of the fight.
However, it’s not a fight Billam-Smith is currently eyeing.
“It doesn’t really make sense to me. Jack’s best win is Isaac Chamberlain. He fought for a world title (but) it feels like a huge step back and I want to fight big fights that I can really stand up for.” : ” said Billam-Smith.
“I’d give anything, but it wouldn’t feel the same. I’d have to look at it that way. I don’t think I’d get any credit for beating Jack.”
“I want to fight at a world title level. That’s what I want to do.”
