Chris Billam-Smith triumphed over Isaac Chamberlain in a brutal 12-round battle to defend his European and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles in his Bournemouth hometown on Saturday.

It was a performance and an occasion that should move him into world title contention and set him up to challenge for a major belt in his next bout.

"100 per cent, especially with the opportunities we've got here," said BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom.

Dean Lonergan, the promoter of Jai Opetaia, the new IBF champion and current world-leading cruiserweight, was ringside at the Bournemouth International Centre to see the fight, with a view to matching the winner with his fighter.

"He [Opetaia] is the number one in the world, it's mental the opportunities that now lie ahead. I'm so excited for them," Billam-Smith said.

"The next fight is always the biggest in this sport," he told Sky Sports. "Every fight's a must-win and that's how I approach it. Every next fight is the biggest.

"That tonight was the pinnacle of my career so far but there's going to be even better nights ahead."

It was a thrilling bout fought in front of a raucous crowd. "That just blew my expectations. It blew the roof off. It was so loud in there. Honestly, it makes me emotional thinking about it," Billam-Smith said.

"It was so much more than I expected."

Chamberlain may have lost a unanimous points decision but he acquitted himself well as Billam-Smith put him under immense pressure.

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