Australia’s boxing world champion Jai Opetaia has been called out by Brit Chris Billam-Smith for a monster world title bout, after Billam-Smith delivered a devastating knockout victory over Armend Xhoxhaj.
Billam-Smith was rocked in the second round but showed immense power and fought back in a ferocious five-round war, before a seven-punch flurry knocked his opponent out cold before he had hit the canvas.
The 32-year-old moves to a 17-1 record with the brutal knockout win in front of a rocking home crowd in Bournemouth.
Then he called out Australia’s own IBF cruiserweight champion Opetaia, hoping to convince him to fight at Vitality Stadium, the home of Bournemouth’s Premier League team.
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“I have no words,” Billam-Smith told Sky Sports. “Not many people thought I’d be at this stage and on the cusp of a world title.
“So it’s been a crazy journey. But it’s not over.
“Jai Opetaia is a great champion,” Billam-Smith added. “He beat the man, when Mairis Briedis was the man, now it is my turn to beat the man.”
The bout would have to take place following the conclusion of the season in May.
Billam-Smith shared a simple message for the undefeated Aussie (22-0): “Come over to England, it’s a nice part of the world and let’s get it done at the football stadium.
“I cannot imagine what it will be like, once again it’s going to be at least four times as many people as were here tonight. Hopefully it’s an unbelievable atmosphere.”
