Boxing
Chris Billiam-Smith says he has lost his joy over Ramirez Defei
“I didn’t really like boxing at the time,” Billiam-Smith told TalkSport. “It was just a stepping stone fight. I felt comfortable there and I did what I had to do, but the boxing wasn’t even close to my best.”
The change he describes did not occur as a result of a single turning point. Instead, there was the decline that often follows a high-profile failure. He went from being a headliner to fighting earlier on the card and admitted that the loss affected his approach to the night.
The decline from main events to earlier events and all that comes with it was something he felt during his preparation and carried over into the ring.
This version of Billiam-Smith was still good enough to win clearly, but not keen enough to leave any mark. He said he wanted a break, especially after Glanton’s pre-fight comments, but he never forced the issue. By his own description, the performance was consistent with his way of thinking.
Billiam-Smith said these months allowed him to withdraw from the cycle of camps and fights, fix technical issues and return to training in a better place physically and mentally. He believes that next time he will fight in a different version.
“I feel reinvigorated. I truly believe that the next time I step into the ring, a fresh version of me will emerge,” he said.
He currently has no promoter or confirmed opponent, making his return contingent on what opportunities can be built rather than what can be demanded. His goal is to return in May, but the future direction remains open.
Billiam-Smith, 35, still talks like a fighter who sees himself near the top of the division, even claiming he considers himself the best cruiserweight in the world. This claim comes during a period in which he was largely passive and, as he says, not fully committed to his final performance.
The next fight will have to show more than just victory. He must show that the version he describes is true and not just a reaction to the passage of time.
Chris Billam-Smith believes Ryan Rozicki is taking his opportunity seriously, but he doesn’t think a single training camp will make up for the years spent competing at the next level.
The former WBO cruiserweight champion will return against Rozicki in Bournemouth on Saturday, with the winner moving closer to a major fight in the division led by Jai Opetai.
Billam-Smith was asked if Rozicki truly believed he belonged at this level.
“I believe he thinks he’s been given an opportunity. He takes it very seriously and does everything he has to do. But sometimes it’s just not enough. Sometimes you’re just not good enough,” Billiam-Smith told ProBox TV.
“I think he is what he is in terms of his punching power, his physique and what he does. But sometimes there are things you can’t just incorporate in training camp. When I’ve been doing it for so long and been at the next level for so long, you can’t just make up for it in one training camp.”
Rozicki comes into the fight with a reputation as one of the toughest fighters in the division and has repeatedly talked about ending the fight by knockout. Billam-Smith acknowledged the threat but believes experience will be a factor when they meet.
“He’s talked about it before: ‘I win by knockout or I get knocked out.’ So there’s no doubt in my mind that he knows he can get beat.
“But I think he thinks it’s a good opportunity.”
Saturday’s fight is Billam-Smith’s first appearance since his points win over Brandon Glanton in April 2025. A victory will put him in top cruiserweight fights, including a potential clash with Ring magazine champion Jai Opetaia.
“For me, I think he believes he has a chance and will give it his all. But the Jai Opetaia fight is the one I want at the moment. It’s the next step, but I have to take care of things on Saturday first.”
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Last update: 2026/06/04 at 11:24
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