Chris Billam-Smith

Chris Billam-Smith is a British professional boxer and former WBO cruiserweight world champion. Born in Epsom, Surrey, Billam-Smith has become closely associated with Bournemouth, where several of the biggest nights of his professional career have taken place. Known as “The Gentleman,” Billam-Smith suffered his first professional defeat against Richard Riakporhe in 2019 before rebuilding his career and establishing himself among Britain's leading cruiserweights. His defining moment came in May 2023 when he defeated Lawrence Okolie over 12 rounds at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium to capture the WBO cruiserweight world championship. Billam-Smith subsequently defended the title against Mateusz Masternak and avenged his earlier defeat to Riakporhe with a unanimous-decision victory at Selhurst Park in June 2024. Billam-Smith's championship reign ended in November 2024 when he faced WBA champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez in Riyadh. Ramírez won by unanimous decision, unifying the WBA and WBO cruiserweight championships. Billam-Smith returned with a unanimous-decision victory over Brandon Glanton in April 2025. In June 2026, Billam-Smith returned to Bournemouth to face Ryan Rozicki and secured another stoppage victory when Rozicki retired after the seventh round. Billam-Smith remains active and has said he intends to keep pursuing another world-title opportunity. His Boxing Ring News profile tracks his complete professional record, opponents, results and cruiserweight championship career.