Billam-Smith (16-1, 11 KOs) is coming off an impressive 12-round unanimous decision win over Isaac Chamberlain, which also took place at this very same hometown venue in July. Amid a raucous atmosphere, the Englishman retained his European crown for the third time and he’s now eager for an encore.

“You can’t go anywhere except Bournemouth again, after the experience everyone had,” Billam-Smith told ID Boxing. “It was just an incredible night; the atmosphere was incredible. If I’ve got to headline, I can only headline in Bournemouth.

“We’ve been asking [to fight at home] for years. Finally, someone stepped up to the plate; [Boxxer] delivered the fight, the town delivered the atmosphere, and me and Isaac delivered a cracking fight. It ticked every box.”

The 32-year-old Billam-Smith has a top-10 rating with every governing body: WBC No. 7, WBA No. 4, IBF No. 3 and WBO No. 2. A world title bout is therefore realistic with any of the champions who reside in the 200-pound weight class.

But before Billam-Smith can look to accomplish a lifetime goal, he must first dispose of Xhoxhaj. The German-based Kosovan is coming off a 10-round split decision win over the previously unbeaten Roman Fress, and he’ll be anxious to spring the upset. However, the last time Xhoxhaj took a step up in class, he was blasted out in four rounds by Polish veteran Masteusz Masternak.

Easy work for Billam-Smith or a bump in the road? The Sporting News provides all you need to know ahead of Saturday’s cruiserweight clash.

When is Chris Billam-Smith vs. Armend Xhoxhaj?

Date: Saturday, December 17 Start time: 7:00 p. m. GMT | 2:00 p. m. ET Main event: 10:00 p. m. GMT | 5:00 p. m. ET

Billam-Smith vs. Xhoxhaj takes place on December 17. The main card starts around 7:00 p.m. GMT | 2:00 p.m. PT.

Billam-Smith and Xhoxhaj should make their way to the ring around 10:00 p.m. GMT | 5:00 p.m., depending on how long the undercard fights last. 

How to watch Chris Billam-Smith vs. Armend Xhoxhaj

The main card of Billam-Smith vs. Xhoxhaj will air on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.

At time of writing, there is no US broadcaster for the fight. 

Chris Billam-Smith vs. Armend Xhoxhaj betting odds

Per Sky Bet, Billam-Smith is a prohibitive -2000 (1/20) favourite, while Xhoxhaj is the +1000 (10/1) underdog.

Per William Hill, Billam-Smith is the -1400 (1/14) favourite, while Xhoxhaj is the +700 (7/1) underdog.

Per Sky Bet:

Billam-Smith via KO/TKO: -350 Billam-Smith via decision: +300 Xhoxhaj via KO/TKO: +1200 Xhoxhaj via decision: +1600 Draw: +1600

Chris Billam-Smith record and bio

Nationality: British    Date of birth: August 2, 1990  Height: 6ft 3in    Reach: N/A    Total fights: 17    Record: 16-1 (11 KOs)  

Armend Xhoxhaj record and bio

Nationality: Kosovan Date of birth: February 10, 1994   Height: 6ft 1½in Reach: 75. 5 Total fights: 16 Record: 14-2 (7 KOs)   

Chris Billam-Smith vs. Armend Xhoxhaj fight card

Chris Billam-Smith vs. Armend Xhoxhaj, cruiserweights Rocky Fielding vs. Dan Azeez, light heavyweights Cori Gibbs vs. Jimmy First, lightweights Michael McKinson vs. Roberto Arriaza, welterweights Caroline Dubois vs. Sofia Rodriguez, lightweights Steve Robinson vs. Nick Campbell, heavyweights