Billam-Smith Wins The Commonwealth Title in Liverpool

Billam-Smith Wins The Commonwealth Title in Liverpool

By Daniel Davenport

Chris Billam-Smith claimed his first professional title by winning the Commonwealth title with a huge stoppage win over Liverpool’s Craig Glover!!

At a packed out M & S Arena on the banks of the Mersey, two of Britain’s top cruiserweights stepped in the ring to battle it out for the vacant Commonwealth title (vacated by Lawrence Okolie).

This promised to be a heavy hitting 50/50 match up, with Glover looking to get back in the domestic mix after his shock defeat to Vaclav Pejsar (13-7-0) back in March.

Billam-Smith also suffered a recent defeat by split decision against Richard Riakpore (9-0-0) for the WBA inter-continental strap, so both fighters were looking to rebound their careers.

As the fight got underway, Billam-Smith looked to be the bigger man as they both looked to stamp their authority in the early rounds of the fight.

Glover was trying to work up close and Billam-Smith aiming to use his height and reach to his advantage, but as they came in close Glover picked up a nick by his left eye.

Glover had the bulk of the support being the home fighter but with Billam-Smith opting to trade with the Liverpool man instead of using his long jab, this played into Glovers hands which got the home fans excited and right behind their man.

Both men carried on landing some stiff shots, this brought blood from the Liverpudlians nose in the second round.

The third round continued the same way with both fighters going at it and putting it all on the line to take this famous belt home.

In the fourth round Billam-Smith started to go through the gears, towards the end of the round, the Shane Mcguigan trained fighter sent Glover to the canvas with two heavy left hooks before the bell to end the round and the end looked near.

As the fifth round got underway, the Glover faithful were hoping that a minute would be long enough to recover from the knock down. But before long, Glover was sent to his knees again midway through the round.

Billam-Smith now sensing he had his man and went in for the finish with a flurry of shots forcing the referee to step in and stop the contest.

Billam-Smith will now be looking forward to December 19th, when Richard Riakporhe takes on Jack Massey for the prestigious British belt at the York Hall. He will be hoping to take on the winner in 2020.

If Riakporhe wins it will also give the Dorset man the chance to avenge his only professional defeat in his career.

Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing