Gilberto Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith: McGuigan calls out Scott for ‘sleazy comments’

Bournemouth’s Billam-Smith will aim to become one of an elite group of British boxers to have held more than one world title belt at the same time.

The venue in Saudi Arabia’s capital will host “Latino Night” with a card filled with fighters from the stable of former world champion and now promoter Oscar De La Hoya.

Kampugeng media events have taken place in the Mexican section of Boulevard World in Riyadh, a park that has models and buildings of some of the most iconic landmarks from around the world.

Billam-Smith is in action outside the UK for the first time professionally.

Despite the trip being so far away from home, some loyal supporters have made the trip out to the Middle East to support their champion.

“Chris is just an inspiration as a human being,” said Billam-Smith fan Alex.

“Any young person who wants to get into boxing, he’s such a great role model, everything about Chris is authentic, he loves Bournemouth too.”

“Chris is such a phenomenal guy,” added another supporter Conor.

“I first came across him through his involvement with a local charity and he’s so generous with his time, for a middle-aged man like me he’s a bit of a hero and he’s someone you just want to get behind and believe in . “

The atmosphere on match night may not be what Billam-Smith has been used to so far in his career.

From sold-out arenas in Bournemouth and even at the Vitality Stadium, where he headlined, the arena will be filled with a few thousand people, some there for Ramirez and others for Billam-Smith, as well as some neutral spectators.

“I know my pocket will be nice and high on fight night,” Billam-Smith told BBC Sport.

“I’ll make sure to silence Zurdo’s section of support. It’s amazing that a few people have made the trip over, it’s so far and not cheap either.

“I’m really grateful and that’s what drives me, I got into the sport to hear people sing your name and it’s a special feeling.”