Chris Billam-Smith is no longer a Matchroom fighter having decided not to renew his contract with them.
The European and Commonwealth Cruiserweight champion has signed a one-fight deal with Sky which will be a homecoming fight on July 30 against Isaac Chamberlain at the Bournemouth International Centre.
‘The Gentleman’ has won seven fights in a row since losing a split decision to Richard Riakporhe three years ago. A win against Chamberlain could lead to a rematch against the Boxxer/Sky Sports cruiserweight who is nearing his first shot at a world title.
Billam-Smith is delighted at finally landing a big-televised fight in Bournemouth which prompted him to team up with Sky.
Billam-Smith told the Daily Echo:
“It means everything and it was sort of the reason that I didn’t renew my contract with Matchroom – because I wanted a home fight and they couldn’t do that due to DAZN,”
“I think Eddie wanted to do it but DAZN are a global platform. They want world title fights or massive names.”
“I am not fighting for a world title yet and I am not a massive name yet. That was that and it meant so much for me to box back home, I had to go elsewhere.”
“Thankfully, we have got this fight over the line. It’s just a one-fight deal with Sky and it’s exciting times.”
The 31-year-old revealed he had been offered a three-fight deal to stay with Matchroom but the opportunity to fight in Bournemouth gave Sky the advantage.
“With Matchroom, I am very grateful for everything they have done and it was just, for this fight, I wanted to come back home. It made sense.”
“Now, it’s just about focusing on this fight, getting the job done and I’m sure there will be plenty of doors open.”
The July 30 card also includes the eagerly awaited debut of Olympic Silver Medallist Ben Whittaker who takes on Greg O’Neill. Fellow medallist Frazer Clarke will also feature as will Caroline Dubois, Joe Pigford, Mikael Lawal, Hassan Azim, all-action Bournemouth fighter Lee Cutler and John Docherty against Diego Costa.