WBO world cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith came face to face with today with Polish powerhouse Mateusz Masternak, the man who aims to dethrone him when they meet in the main event of BOXXER: RETURN OF THE KING in Bournemouth on Sunday, December 10th, live on Sky Sports. (photos by Lawrence Lustug)

billam-smith-masternak-2

Currently ranked No 5 with the WBO, the experienced Masternak (47-5, 31 KO’s) rides a six-fight win streak into the world title shot he has long been pressing for. The December clash will see him return to the UK for the first time since his 2015 European championship battle with Tony Bellew. 

billam-smith-masternak-122

Three of his last six victories have been secured by knockout, including a fourth-round stoppage of Armend Xhoxhaj from Albania, who previously went five rounds with Billam-Smith last year.

billam-smith-masternak-12

Having sold out the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) twice before, Billam-Smith is set for a third sell-out in December as he competes for the first time since May, where he triumphed over Lawrence Okolie in front of a packed Vitality Stadium, home of his beloved Bournemouth AFC.

billam-smith-masternak-1122 billam-smith-masternak-112 billam-smith-masternak-9

mateusz-masternak (1) chris-billam-smith-29 mateusz-masternak (3) chris-billam-smith-219 chris-billam-smith-9 mateusz-masternak (2) ben-shalom-2 chris-billam-smith_1698856070 ben-shalom_1698856070