Former British world champion reveals he wants to face Jake Paul

Chris Billam-Smith endured a tough night at the backend of 2024 when he failed in his quest to become unified cruiserweight champion as he was well beaten by Gilberto Ramirez in Saudi Arabia. 

The Bournemouth man entered the contest in excellent form, but he was unable to find a way past Ramirez as the experienced Mexican produced a stunning performance to register a fully deserved win. 

Despite the one-sidedness of the contest, the manner of defeat has not deterred Billam-Smith, and he is eager to test himself against Ramirez for a second time. 

This summer, on the undercard of Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez on June 28, Ramirez will face former world champion Yuniel Dorticos in an intriguing fight that Billam-Smith will be watching closely. 

The winner will have plenty of options moving forward, but Billam-Smith is hopeful he can land a rematch against the man who beat him, and he has revealed what he would do differently. 

“This time I would not look to throw with him and hope my shots knock him out, which wasn't the game plan, but it felt like that at times in there,” said Billam-Smith when speaking with The Ring.  

“But it felt like that where I was chasing the fight I had to just look to land something big and I just wasn't able to. I would go in there with more intelligence, and it would definitely be a different outcome."  

As well as targeting Ramirez, Billam-Smith has also revealed he would like the chance to share some rounds with Jake Paul. 

Billam-Smith will be in New York City when Ellie Scotney fights on July 11, a show promoted by Paul, and he would relish the opportunity to spar with the popular influencer. 

“I’m sure we will have a chat. I will definitely have my sparring gear and I will see if he wants to get some rounds in. 

“It would be very interesting to see what he’s like. I really respect what he does. I see he puts the work in. I’d be very up for a spar while I’m there. It would be fun.”