On Sunday 10 December 2023 live from Bournemouth International Centre, Boxxer and Sky Sports present Billam-Smith vs Masternak.
The headline bout sees Chris Billam-Smith return to Bournemouth for the second time in 2023 to defend his newly won WBO Cruiserweight title.
Billam-Smith won his title when he shocked both bookmakers and fans by defeating the much maligned Lawrence Okolie back in May 2023. CBS vs Okolie was held at Bournemouth Football Club’s Vitality stadium, and Billam-Smith scored 3 knockdowns on his way to an ugly victory marred by grappling and points deductions.
Lawrence Okolie was unbeaten prior to facing CBS, and his grab and hold style was going to spoil the boxing regardless of the opponent, but Billam-Smith persevered and got his reward. Lawrence Okolie continues to wait for a rematch of their bout as Billam-Smith vs Masternak was made instead.
Mateusz Masternak is a Polish cruiserweight veteran of 52 bouts (47-5), and unbeaten since 2018. Masternak has primarily fought in Poland and Germany, although one of his more notable bouts includes a tight points decision loss to Tony Bellew at 2015. Masternak fought and lost a bout for the Interim Cruiserweight title in 2014, and Billam-Smith vs Masternak represents his first full world championship opportunity.
Masternak has been inactive since October 2022, when he outpointed former Commonwealth Games finalist Jason Whateley and inflicted his first defeat.
WHO IS THE FAVOURITE FOR BILLAM-SMITH VS MASTERNAK?
Chris Billam-Smith is the firm favourite. Fighting in front of his home support against an older challenger who has never competed at world championship level.
The bookmakers agree. Chris Billam-Smith is priced at 1/4 for a victory. Mateusz Masternak is priced at 3/1 for a victory.
WHO IS FIGHTING ON THE UNDERCARD?
Chris Billam-Smith vs Mateusz Masternak
Lee Cutler vs Kingsley Egbunike
Ben Whittaker vs Stiven Dredhaj
Lauren Price vs Silvia Bortot
Michael McKinson vs TBA
Lewis Edmondson vs Dmytro Fedas
Francesca Hennessy vs TBA
HOW CAN I WATCH BILLAM-SMITH VS MASTERNAK?
The event will be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK. Start time is is 6:00 p.m om Sky Sports Arena. Times in GMT.
This event will be also be broadcast on Peacock in the USA.
View a preview of the undercard action below.