Rocky Fielding fails to make weight for Dan Azeez title fight | Chris

Chris Billam-Smith and Armend Xhoxhaj made weight for their cruiserweight contest that tops Saturday night’s bill at the Bournemouth International Centre, live on Sky Sports.

However Rocky Fielding, who is challenging Dan Azeez for his British title and the vacant Commonwealth light-heavyweight championship came in one pound over the weight limit.

After scaling 12st 8lbs, he did not return for a second attempt to make weight.

It means Azeez, who was 12st 5lbs 5oz, retains his British title on the scales and the Commonwealth belt is now only available to him.

Azeez though insisted that Fielding missing the weight will have no implications for their fight itself.

“It’s only a pound,” he said. “Whether he comes over the weight, under the weight we’ve still got Saturday to deal with and that’s what I’m focused on.

“I don’t read too much into the weight. My aim is just to make sure I retain this title and win the Commonwealth.

“I’m happy I’ve got the opportunity to end the year on a high.”

Billam-Smith smiled at yesterday’s tense face-off with his opponent Xhoxhaj and was all smiles too at their weigh-in on Friday.

Xhoxhaj was 14st 1lbs and Billam-Smith was a pound under the cruiserweight limit at 14st 3lbs.

“He’s good at a staring contest, but that’s not boxing,” Billam-Smith shrugged.

“If I’m the best version of me, I get him out of there. I’m better than him in every department and I’ll show that tomorrow.

“I’ve had a lot of good sparring partners, very similar styles,” he continued. “I’ve been sparring really, really well, weight’s been comfortable.

“The focus now is on the next 36 hours and getting the job done.”

Tokyo Olympian Caroline Dubois (9st 12lbs) looks to close out her first year as professional boxer in style against Argentina’s Sofia Rodriguez.

“I’ve been working very hard and it’s been a busy year for me and I want to end it on a good note and score a knockout,” Dubois said.