Ellie Scotney, still unbeaten and a former undisputed world champion, considers gym-mate Chris Billam-Smith's fight with Ryan Rozicki and what lies ahead for him...
I think you can expect what Chris Billam-Smith always brings. I think the character of him being a gentleman outside is what people fall in love with but then when you watch him, it's the polar opposite and that's something boxing fans can fall in love with.
They're looking for entertainment, they're looking for a story and what a story he has. His best chapters are awaiting him.
For me everyone's always going to talk about the Jai Opetaia fight. He wants it and I think people are looking past Chris, like they have done his whole career, and I truly believe he's No 1 in the world and he'll show that. I truly believe he does a job on Opetaia. I do.
He's always been an underdog. Look at Lawrence Okolie, no one wanted to fight him, he was the bogeyman of the division and look what Chris did to him.
I think he's best when he is doubted. I truly believe that will prevail. I think stylistically he's all wrong for Opetaia.
I think you've seen cracks in Opetaia's armour. Yes, he beat Mairis Briedis twice but he was coming towards the end of his career and you've seen Opetaia get tagged in fights, get frustrated with himself. I think he's had a lot of fights that have made him look like a killer.
When you look at Chris's CV, you just think he's boxed anyone and everyone.
What I've seen in the gym, I think that loss to Gilberto Ramirez was the best thing that could have happened to him. It's like a different fighter. A fighter I look at and I think how can you keep improving and he does.
He applies his mindset and the way he listens to Shane McGuigan it's like he's on debut. They've got such a perfect relationship and Chris, when he retires he can look back and say I gave everything. I think that's a position any fighter wants to be in. I feel like he still has that mindset. I believe he'll be the man of the division.
When he is the underdog, he blossoms in that environment. He's a special person and a special fighter.
Don't miss Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki this Saturday live on Your Site.
