Chris Billam-Smith: WBO cruiserweight champion ‘able to go’ as he awaits information on Lawrence Okolie rematch | Boxing Information

WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith says he’s “able to go” for a return to the ring in November – whether or not that’s towards Lawrence Okolie or a distinct opponent.

Okolie, who educated alongside Billam-Smith earlier in his profession, requested for a rematch clause forward of their world title bout in Could – which Billam-Smith received by majority determination.

A second struggle is but to be organized, and requested whether or not there can be a rematch, Billam-Smith advised Sky Sports activities: “Who, and when, are two good questions”.

“Clearly, Lawrence has acquired a rematch clause, so we’re ready to see.

“His staff requested for the rematch clause, we gave him that, in order that was at all times behind our thoughts, that we might should beat him twice to then transfer on and look to unify.”

The rivals beforehand educated collectively at Shane McGuigan’s gymnasium, however that partnership was put to the facet as they fought for the world title in what Billam-Smith known as a “fairy story”.

Billam-Smith advised Sky Sports activities he has not spoken to Okolie for the reason that hours after their struggle in Could, with the potential rematch nonetheless on his thoughts.

“We had been gymnasium mates,” he stated. “We did not ever hang around with one another exterior the gymnasium.

“We supported and helped one another get to this stage – I stated that to him on the night time.

“We each helped one another get there and now we’re towards one another – that is the best way the enterprise works.

“He texted me the day after the struggle, however since then, we have not spoken and we have thought we will be boxing him once more.”

Billam-Smith says he’ll struggle in November, regardless, after which goal to unify the cruiserweight belts.

He stated: “I believe I’ve hit that prime, and now it’s extremely a lot behind me and about wanting ahead – I do not suppose you may sit on it for too lengthy.

“I am able to go in November, and that was at all times the plan.

“The opposite champions, I believe, for the time being are busy and I wish to struggle this yr, so I will most likely have one in between after which look to unify.

“As excessive as that night time was, strolling out into the stadium [the Vitality Stadium in his home town of Bournemouth] – a dream of mine to do as a footballer after I was a child, there’s one other objective now, and that is to get the opposite belts.”