Chris Billam-Smith scores brutal knockout in Bournemouth; Azeez wins Commonwealth Title

Chris Billam-Smith pulled out a huge right hand to knockout Armend Xhoxhaj in the fifth round in front of his vocal home crowd in Bournemouth last night

‘The Gentleman’ Billam-Smith knew a victory would set up a world title shot in the summer of next year, so an impressive victory here would build some momentum going into a fight with one of the current champions at 200 pounds.

However, it wasn’t an easy ‘tick over’ fight many expected against Xhoxhaj, ‘CBS’ was caught with a right hand in the second that momentarily stunned the Bournemouth man and buckled his feet beneath him. Billam-Smith had to go into survival mode for the remainder of the round.

As the fight progressed Billam-Smith claimed control, granting him more success and ultimately led him to the knockout shot that sets him up for a shot at World honours in 2023.

Billam-Smith and Ben Shalom are both hopeful of landing that prestigious title shot at the Vitality Stadium (home of AFC Bournemouth).

"We'll be back in the summer at the stadium," Shalom promised. "All the world champions want to fight in the UK and we're going to see it.

"Jai Opetaia wants this fight, Chris Billam-Smith wants this fight.

"He's going to fight for a world title in Bournemouth and it's going to be unbelievable."

Dan Azeez added another belt to his growing collection, this time the Light-Heavyweight Commonwealth title after an eighth-round stoppage victory over former World title challenger Rocky Fielding.

‘Super’ Dan Azeez had control for the entire fight, using his front foot constant pressure to force Fielding on to the ropes. Fielding’s corner threw the towel in mid-way through round number 8 to save their man.

Azeez now holds the British and Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight titles, he could potentially target European honours next or attempt to win his British title outright by making 5 successful defences.

Caroline Dubois demolished opponent Sofia Rodriguez in just 60 seconds, her fourth knockout victory in 5 fights to date since turning pro. Dubois is on her way to being a future superstar, dispatching opponents with ease.

In a heavyweight clash that opened up the Sky Sports broadcast, Steve Robinson stopped Nick Campbell in just 4 rounds. In a fight that wasn’t the typical high-quality fight you would expect to see on Sky, it unexpectedly delivered. Robinson dropped Campbell to the canvas two times before the referee intervened and stopped the contest.

Cori Gibbs suffered a shock defeat to 41 year old, undefeated lightweight, Jimmy First over 8 rounds.

Michael McKinson returned to the ring with a 6 round points victory over Roberto Arriaza. McKinson is coming off a stoppage loss to World level prospect Virgil Ortiz Jr and banked some valuable rounds against a tough opponent.