So, the clock’s ticking down to the grand tussle for the WBO World Cruiserweight Title, happening at the Bournemouth International Centre. It’s Chris Billam-Smith vs. Mateusz Masternak, and it’s going to be a barnburner! This showdown’s hitting the airwaves live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, and Peacock’s got the US covered, on Sunday, December 10.
The local legend, Billam-Smith, is buzzing to defend his WBO World Title for the first time. Remember when he snatched it from Lawrence Okolie at the Vitality Stadium? Well, he’s back in Bournemouth, ready to rumble with the Polish powerhouse, Masternak.
Masternak, a cruiserweight veteran with more knockouts under his belt than Billam-Smith has fights, is all geared up to crash the champ’s homecoming bash and snatch that world title dream right from under his nose.
The undercard’s stacked like a deck of aces. We’ve got Olympic medallists turned pro-pugilists, Ben Whittaker and Lauren Price, flexing their gloves against Stiven Leonetti Dredhaj and ex-European champ Silvia Bortot. They’re on the fast track to the title town, and they ain’t hitting the brakes!
Lee Cutler’s squaring off against Kingsley ‘Obi’ Egbunike for the vacant English Super Welterweight Title, and this scrap might just steal the whole show. Then there’s Michael McKinson and Musah Lawson duking it out for the WBC International Silver Welterweight strap. Plus, Lewis Edmondson and Francesca Hennessy are jumping back in the ring for their next bouts.
Now, let’s talk press conference smack:
CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH:
“The dream? Winning the World Title in Bournemouth, and boy, did I tick that off the list. We’ve been throwing punches to get shows here, and now we’re on a roll with four straight. Big ups to BOXXER and Sky Sports, and the fans who turn the joint into a madhouse. Can’t wait to strut in on Sunday as the defending champ.
“People don’t just hit their peak and then call it quits. Nah, I’m here to build a legacy that sticks. Just thinking about that crowd on Sunday gives me goosebumps!”
MATEUSZ MASTERNAK:
“I’ve been in this boxing game forever. Training for this fight felt like magic. Come December 10th, I’m snatching that WBO belt.
“I made a deal with my wife – want a third kid? Gotta be World Champ. My daughter’s 5 now, time to keep my end of the bargain.”
BEN WHITTAKER:
“This year’s been a rollercoaster, but Sunday, I’m back in the ring. Next year? It’s game time.
“I’ve got tricks up my sleeve for Sunday. We’ve sparred before – I asked for 8 rounds, he bailed at 6.
“Sunday’s ‘The Italian Job’. Hope he’s not chicken, ‘cause I want a real fight. After Sunday, it’s full steam ahead to 2024.”
LAUREN PRICE:
“I’m stepping up my game again. I’m a different beast compared to Mayer, and I’ll show that on Sunday. Sylvia’s tough, but I’m playing in a different league. After Sunday, I’m gunning for the winner of Mayer and Jonas in 2024.”
Date and Time for Billam-Smith vs. Masternak Fight:
- Date: Sunday, December 10
- Start Time: 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. UK
- Main Event (Approx.): 6 p.m. ET / 10 p.m. UK
- Note: Times may vary based on undercard fight durations.
How to Watch Billam-Smith vs. Masternak:
- In the U.S.: Available on Peacock.
- In the UK: Broadcasted on Sky Sports.
- Venue: The fight is set at the Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth, England.
Additional Information on Billam-Smith vs. Masternak Fight:
- Chris Billam-Smith Record and Bio: British, born December 20, 1993, height 6′ 3″. Record: 18-1 (12 KOs), 19 total fights.
- Mateusz Masternak Record and Bio: Polish, born April 21, 1994, height 6′ 1″, reach 76″. Record: 47-5 (31 KOs), 52 total fights.
Billam-Smith vs. Masternak Fight Card Highlights:
- Main Event: Chris Billam-Smith vs. Mateusz Masternak, 12 rounds for the WBO cruiserweight title.
- Supporting Bouts: Includes fighters like Ben Whittaker, Michael McKinson, Lee Cutler, Lauren Price, Lewis Edmondson, and Francesca Hennessy in various weight categories.
- Chris Billam-Smith vs. Mateusz Masternak
- For Billam-Smith’s WBO cruiserweight title
- 12 rounds
- Ben Whittaker vs. Stiven Leonetti Dredhaj
- Light heavyweight division
- 8 rounds
- Michael McKinson vs. TBA
- Welterweight division
- 8 or 10 rounds
- Lee Cutler vs. Obi Egbunike
- Junior middleweight division
- 10 rounds
- Lauren Price vs. Silvia Bortot
- Female welterweight division
- 8 rounds
- Lewis Edmondson vs. Dmytro Fedas
- Light heavyweight division
- 6 rounds