Mateusz Masternak ‘motivated’ for title shot against Chris Billam-Smith after 17-year career

Perennial cruiserweight contender Mateusz Masternak will problem Chris Billam-Smith for the WBO title on the Bournemouth Worldwide Middle, Bournemouth, England on Sunday.

Masternak, rated at No. 9 by The Ring at cruiserweight, is worked up to lastly get his first world title shot having turned skilled again in 2006.

“I’ve been ready for my title shot for therefore lengthy, so now I’m extraordinarily motivated and able to go,” Masternak (47-5, 31 knockouts) advised The Ring via Michał Koper. “After I turned professional I assumed it will take like 5 years to get a title shot. I took 17 years, however I actually really feel like I’m in my prime. I really feel unbelievable. I do know, that English followers may assume I’m previous my prime, over the hill, however on December 10 I’ll do my greatest to show them incorrect.”

The Polish fighter, who has been working with each Piotr Wilczewski and Andrzej Gmitruk, has achieved his homework and says he enters the competition properly ready.

“He’s a reasonably good, stable fighter,” Masternak mentioned of the defending titleholder. “He’s tall, however on the similar time he fights good inside. He’s a bit taller than me, however boxing is just not about top, it’s all about expertise, pace, energy.

“I studied his fights and seen some little flaws in his recreation, however I actually count on a tricky struggle right here. If it’s simpler than we count on, will probably be a pleasant shock.”

The 36-year-old veteran is a former European champion however has needed to bide his time on the world stage.

It regarded like that chance could come towards Ring and IBF titlist Jai Opetaia, just for negotiations to hit a stumbling block that as an alternative lead them in the direction of Billam-Smith.

Mateusz Masternak

“After I gained the IBF eliminator, I assumed the title struggle would come fast,” he defined.  “However we waited, and tried to barter with Opetaia’s crew. Lastly, we concluded there’s no solution to attain an settlement. Simply look what occurred with [Richard] Riakporhe later – the identical story. [Mairis] Briedis’ crew additionally has some points with Opetaia. We wasted plenty of time and we ultimately selected Billam-Smith.

“We waited for the date from Boxxer for the Billam-Smith struggle, however I’ve been coaching on a regular basis. I practice actually on daily basis. In the event you have a look at the historical past of boxing, Sugar Ray Leonard fought Marvin Hagler after a three-year lay off and nonetheless gained the struggle. After all, he’d been making ready for that struggle for a yr, however I even have been coaching on a regular basis, so I don’t count on any ring rust.”

Nevertheless, he freely admits it’s not supreme having to face the favored Brit in his yard however doesn’t consider that may have an effect on him or the end result.

“Clearly, it will be higher to have the house benefit right here, however the ring is identical everywhere in the world,” he mentioned. “I’m not going to assume an excessive amount of about issues which might be out of my management. It’s what it’s – we field in England and I need this belt! That is what I give attention to.

“I respect Chris, however I’m going to convey the WBO belt again to Poland – that is my aim!”

Billam-Smith (18-1, 12 KOs), rated at No. 5 by The Ring at cruiserweight, gained his first 9 fights earlier than tasting defeat towards compatriot Richard Riakporhe (SD 10). The Englishman rebounded strongly, gathering the Commonwealth title earlier than claiming the British and European titles by beating Tommy McCarthy (SD 12). As a result of closeness of the primary struggle, they met in a rematch and Billam-Smith left little doubt, stopping McCarthy in eight rounds. He adopted that by defeating Isaac Chamberlain (UD 12) after which vacated the EBU title somewhat than go over previous floor towards Dylan Bregeon, who he had already defeated by way of lopsided determination.

The favored 33-year-old vanquished Armend Xhoxhaj (KO 5) earlier than thrilling his dwelling followers claiming the WBO title by beating Lawrence Okolie (MD 12) in an unpleasant struggle.

The momentum is with Billam-Smith: He has dwelling benefit and is coming off the title win, whereas Masternak hasn’t fought in 14 months. I feel these issues will every play a component that may lead Billam-Smith to say a 12-round unanimous determination.

Billam Smith-Masternak, plus supporting undercard, which takes place on Sky Sports activities, begins at 6 p.m. GMT and on Peacock within the U.S. at 1 p.m. ET/ 10 a.m. PT.

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