Chris Billam-Smith fights too aggressively, worries trainer Shane McGuigan ahead
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Two fighters from the same gym, at different stages of their careers, are both looking to establish their credentials for world level title fights in 2023.
Chris Billam-Smith is now a veteran who’s won British, Commonwealth and European titles. The accolade he is yet to win is a world championship belt. Standing between him and that ultimate title shot is Armend Xhoxhaj.
To keep the dream alive Billam-Smith must win when, in his hometown, he fights Xhoxhaj on Saturday night at the Bournemouth International Centre.
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Chris Billam-Smith is confident he’ll knock out Armend Xhoxhaj in his hometown of Bournemouth this weekend as he strives to earn a world title shot.
His stablemate Caroline Dubois boxes on the same bill, live on Sky Sports.
At only 21 years old, she is more than a decade younger than Billam-Smith. She’s been a professional boxer for less than a year.
But such is her talent and ambition, if she can deliver the performance she wants against Sofi Rodriguez, Dubois will consider the apprenticeship phase of her career complete.
This time next year she wants to be pressing for a title shot herself.
Shane McGuigan trains both fighters. McGuigan hasn’t been in a losing corner this year and is confident that both Billam-Smith and Dubois will prevail.
“I register the losses, I don’t necessarily register the wins. That’s a pessimistic way of looking at it but it keeps you on your toes,” McGuigan said.
“Chris has got a potential banana skin because he’s ready to fight for the IBF world title with Jai Opetaia and if Jai Opetaia isn’t ready in time there’s also Arsen Goulamirian, the WBA champion that’s looking for a fight.
“So whatever the case, we’ll have a world title fight next.”
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Chris Billam-Smith says he has been punching with bad intentions during training and cannot wait to get his hands on Armend Xhoxhaj.
Xhoxhaj has lost twice but McGuigan considers him a dangerous puncher. His father, boxing legend Barry McGuigan has concerns about the threat Xhoxhaj could pose.
“My dad rang me the other day and was like, ‘Who picked this lad?'” the trainer revealed. “We had a discussion because he said there’s no upside.
“[Xhoxhaj] is also dangerous. He hurt [Mateusz] Masternak early in the fight. Tony Bellew went 12 rounds with Masternak and he never hurt him at all and Tony Bellew’s a big…
Read More: Chris Billam-Smith fights too aggressively, worries trainer Shane McGuigan ahead 2022-12-17 07:04:16