Chris Billam-Smith: ‘Thorley Has Never Been In With Anyone Like Me’

Commonwealth Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KO) promises it will be a tough night at the office for Wales’ Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KO) when the two meet this Friday.

The pair will feature in the co-main event of week 2 of Matchroom Boxing’s Fight Camp, which sees Terri Harper defend her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles against Natasha Jonas in the main event.

This fight will be Billam-Smith’s first title defense after he claimed the vacant strap last November with a fifth-round stoppage of Craig Glover.  Going into Friday’s clash, the Bournemouth fighter is confident that he has the measure of the undefeated Thorley. 

“Thorley has never been in with anyone like me. It doesn’t matter what he’s capable of or what his game plan is, I will make sure I’m victorious on August 7th. This might be his big opportunity, but I won’t be letting him take it. I think he’ll tire a lot sooner than me, and I believe I hit a lot harder than him as well,” Billam-Smith said.

 “He’s got range and he’s got quick hands, he’s got a boxing brain and he’s got good ability but it’s a big step up for him from his previous fights. We’ll see how he deals with the occasion. It’s his first twelve rounder up at Cruiserweight against someone who is a natural Cruiserweight. It will be interesting to see how strong he is in there.”

In February, the 30-year-old Billam-Smith spent two weeks sparring with former WBC cruiserweight champion Mairis Briedis, in the Latviatin’s hometown of Riga. It was an eye-opening experience for the Englishman, and one that he feels has made him a better fighter.

“I learned so much out there. He’s proven himself at the very top level. He gave Usyk arguably his hardest fight. He’s a tough bloke, and he gave me some great work. I had to adapt and really think during the spars. I really feel like I’ve improved as a fighter from those two weeks. 

 “It was like having another fight under your belt because you’re in a foreign country and it’s hard work. It was probably more beneficial than my first seven fights all put together. It was a great experience for me. I really had to take my time and pick my shots against him. I think that’s what you’ll see of me on August 7th.”

This week’s Matchroom card is set to air live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

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