WBO Interim Cruiserweight Title Clash Update
In a recent development for boxing fans, the anticipated clash for the WBO Interim Cruiserweight title between Chris Billam-Smith and Roman Fress will not take place as part of the undercard for the upcoming Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn rematch. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has mandated a purse bid for the bout, which establishes a timeline that makes it impossible for the fight to occur on the scheduled date of November 15 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Purse Bid Details
Following the WBO’s order, which came on August 19, the two boxing promotional teams—BOXXER representing Billam-Smith and SES Boxing for Fress—were engaged in negotiations to reach a financial agreement. However, with the negotiation period having lapsed without a settlement, the WBO has confirmed the next step in the process: a purse bid is slated for October 3 in Budapest, Hungary. To participate, bidders must meet a minimum offer of $300,000.
The interim title was instituted due to the current champion, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, being on the sidelines following shoulder surgery. This decision reflects the WBO’s commitment to keeping the cruiserweight division active. However, the timing of the purse bid—set for just two days before the Eubank Jr. and Benn fight—creates a conflict. According to WBO regulations, any bout arising from a purse bid must take place a minimum of 45 days after the bid date, meaning the earliest possible date for Billam-Smith vs. Fress would fall after the Benn-Eubank event. Consequently, this effectively eliminates any chance for their fight to feature on the undercard, thereby concluding the speculation on its inclusion.
Current Lineup for Eubank vs. Benn Card
The official lineup for the Eubank vs. Benn card remains intact, already showcasing a variety of high-stakes matchups, including:
- Jack Catterall vs. Ekow Essuman (Welterweight)
- Richard Riakporhe vs. Tommy Welch (Heavyweight)
- Adam Azim vs. Zaur Abdullaev (Super Lightweight)
- Sam Gilley vs. Ishmael Davis (Super-Welterweight)
- Mikie Tallon vs. Fezan Shahid (Flyweight)
Notably, Richard Riakporhe, who has faced Billam-Smith in the past, will move up to heavyweight for his match against the unbeaten Tommy Welch.
Future Plans for Billam-Smith
As the situation stands, Chris Billam-Smith’s focus will now shift towards securing a fight date in late November or early December, which was previously targeted due to personal schedules. The purse bid will ultimately decide who promotes the upcoming match in this significant cruiserweight contest, keeping fans eager for the next steps in the division.
