Anthony Yarde Open To Boxing Chris Billam-Smith Next, According To Manager

Anthony Yarde is not ruling out the chance of him moving up in weight to challenge WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith.

Yarde is coming off a KO win over Jorge Silva to return to the win column after the TKO loss to Artur Beterbiev. Since becoming a light heavyweight, Yarde has gotten two title shots, but his manager, Tunde Ajayi says Yarde is open to moving up to cruiserweight to face Chris Billam-Smith.

“There are some great fights, some great possibilities for Anthony primarily as the fighter and myself as the manager and trainer to explore. We were even talking about big fights up at cruiserweight,” Ajayi told Sky Sports. “I would even go so far, if you put the right proposal to Anthony now, he’ll fight Chris Billam-Smith tomorrow. 100 million percent.

“Anthony has been a cruiserweight from the beginning of his career, it’s discipline and dedication which has allowed him to make the light heavyweight division. It’s not because he’s not willing go and fight bigger guys. It’s no secret, he’s a massive light heavyweight in terms of width. He packs a punch. We know that he’s capable of fighting as a cruiserweight no problem. We just have to wait and see what comes up. That’s the honest truth. We’re ready. We’re always ready. Anthony’s a consummate professional,” Ajayi added.

“He trains and spars with bigger guys, has performed well against British champions at cruiser and even world champions at cruiser in the gym. So I don’t think there’d be any problem with Anthony moving up to that weight and fighting Billam-Smith,” Ajayi continued.

Chris Billam-Smith is currently 19-1 and coming off a stoppage win over Mateusz Masternak in December. He currently does not have his next fight booked, which is why Yarde and his team are open to moving up in weight to make the fight happen.

Would you like to see Anthony Yarde vs. Chris Billam-Smith?