Chris Billam-Smith v Mateusz Masternak: Briton says motivation for fighting is 'different' now.

Billam-Smith is making the first defence of his WBO cruiserweight title against Masternak

Britain's Chris Billam-Smith says his motivation for fighting is different since becoming the WBO cruiserweight champion.

Billam-Smith, 33, beat former gym mate Lawrence Okolie in May for his maiden world title.

He will defend his belt for the first time against Poland's Mateusz Masternak in his home town Bournemouth on 10 December.

"I don't want to be a flash in the pan," said Englishman Billam-Smith.

"There's a different type of motivation now because you're not chasing something, you're trying to hold on to something and someone is trying to take something that's yours.

"As a father, [the title] is like my second child now, and that honour of keeping the belt I want to keep."

Billam-Smith and 36-year-old Masternak were addressing the media at a respectful news conference in London before their fight at the Bournemouth International Centre next month.

Billam-Smith, whose victory over fellow Briton Okolie extended his win streak to nine, praised Masternak's work in the ring, which has yielded 47 wins from 52 bouts over a 17-year-career.

"It's for me, the toughest test of my career to date, stylistically," said Billam-Smith.

"He's the most-rounded fighter I would have faced by a long stretch. He shows weaknesses in no areas and does everything very well.

"I think stylistically we're similar in a lot of areas and that's why it makes for a fantastic fight from a fan's perspective. If I was a fan watching this, I'd be licking my lips."

Masternak, whose last fight was a unanimous decision win over Australian Jason Whateley a year ago, will be challenging for a world title for the first time in his career.

"For 17 years I've waited for this opportunity to get a title," said Masternak.

"During the 17 years I was winning, losing, I've had tough fights, but now is the time I can get dreams for myself, for my fans and for Poland too.

"Chris is a tough opponent but he has a challenge against my experience and toughness. After the final bell I will be happy."

The majority of boxing world title fights take place on Saturdays but, unusually, the bout between Billam-Smith and Masternak will be on a Sunday.

Billam-Smith says the decision was made so Bournemouth fans would be able to travel to Old Trafford to watch their side face Manchester United on 9 December, and attend the fight the following day.

"That arena holds the noise so well and you stick 3,000 Bournemouth fans in there that sing their hearts out, it creates a phenomenal atmosphere," said Billam-Smith.

"I'm so fortunate to have the fanbase I do, it motivates me."