Boxing
Billam-Smith keeping a close eye on 'fantastic' cruiserweight clash
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Chris Billam-Smith is eager to see how David Benavidez performs when he moves up to cruiserweight.
It is expected that Benavidez will step up from light heavyweight to challenge WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez in May and, having lost his WBO strap the latter, Billam-Smith knows how tough a test that is.
The Bournemouth man will be keeping a close eye on that contest and would love a crack at Benavidez, should he prevail.
“I mean the only person who’s going to be annoyed about that [fight] is probably [IBF cruiserweight belt holder Jai] Opetaia,” Billam-Smith told Boxing Scene.
“I think from a boxing point of view, it’s a fantastic fight. I think with the Mexican heritage in it, it makes it even more exciting. Two very tough men.
“We know how tough Mexicans are. I know firsthand how tough ‘Zurdo’ is, so I don’t expect anyone to get stopped in that fight, but I do think Benavidez has a very good style to beat Zurdo.
“I think the way he puts his shots together – not saying that I think he wins; I’d still make Zurdo the favourite – but it’s a very interesting fight.
“I think it’s a very good fight, but if Benavidez does win, me against him – it’d be an unbelievable fight, wouldn’t it?
“If you look at the styles of me and David Benavidez, that would be phenomenal.”
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