Chris Billam-Smith digs deep for title defence and needs Richard Riakporhe subsequent
Chris Billam-Smith needed to dig deep and pull off a surprising comeback to cease Mateusz Masternak in his first world title defence.
The WBO cruiserweight champion, 33, was dragged right into a bruising battle with the Polish veteran and he was heading for defeat on the scorecards with two judges having the challenger up on the time of the stoppage.
But Billam-Smith, 33, cracked Masternak’s ribs to power the challenger into retirement earlier than the beginning of the eighth spherical because the stress lastly instructed. The Bournemouth favorite was struggling to take care of the wily veteran within the first half of his maiden title defence.
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But then he discovered an additional gear within the seventh and proper and left hooks to the physique finally put a dent in Masternak. The Polish fighter, in his 53rd outing however first world title combat, took an age to rise from his stool for the eighth spherical earlier than his nook requested referee John Latham to wave it off.
Billam-Smith climbed the ropes to have a good time the nineteenth win in his twentieth outing in entrance of his dwelling followers. The Gentleman stated: “I revered him a lot within the build-up. I stated it could be my hardest combat however I made it too arduous for myself.
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(Image: Getty Images)
“I knew I had hurt him in the seventh because he slowed down. My trainer [Shane McGuigan] saw he had trouble with his ribs before the fight, he said he saw a lump on his ribs before the fight. He knows what he’s talking about.
“It’s a shame he pulled out because I would have showed my maturity adapting my performance. I’m now hoping to face Richard Riakporhe next.”
This was the primary defence of Billam-Smith’s WBO title after he took the belt from fellow Brit Lawrence Okolie in May. That evening was outdoor at his beloved Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium however right here he was again indoors on the International Centre within the seaside city.
(Image: PA)
Billam-Smith began because the aggressor as he plodded ahead touchdown with one-twos however Masternak had success along with his jab and to the physique in a steady-paced opening spherical.
Neither man’s defence was as much as a lot in these early exchanges as they traded pictures in energetic second and third rounds. Masternak acquired by means of with a few huge rights within the fourth after a lower opened up over Billam-Smith’s left eye.
There was all of a sudden actual concern it was going to be a short-lived reign for Billam-Smith. Masternak continued to develop in confidence within the fifth as he landed flush with easy and straight mixtures.
The excellent news for Billam-Smith was his nook managed to stem the blood move from the lower over his left eye. But he was nonetheless consuming proper arms because the combat went into the second half. Then The Gentleman lastly responded within the seventh because the Polish veteran started to tire and the physique pictures completed off Masternak.