Boyhood friends back Billam-Smith ahead of title bout

Ahead of his title unification fight, Chris Billam-Smith has been described as a legend by friends from boyhood.

Gary and Mike have travelled from Bournemouth to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to watch the WBO cruiserweight champion take on WBA champion, Gilberto Ramirez from Mexico.

Mike even joked he didn't want his longtime friend to know how much money he had riding on him in the fight.

"I'm getting a new kitchen if he wins, so come on mate get me that boiler tap. I need that built in air-fryer!", he said.

The pair said they have every faith in the "The Gentleman", as Billam-Smith is known - especially with renowned coach Shane McGuigan in his corner.