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Losing to Ramirez in Saudi Arabia was just the second defeat of Billam-Smith’s career having previously avenged his other loss to Richard Riakporhe.<\/a><\/p>\n He travelled to the Middle East last November to face the Mexican who has only ever been beaten by pound-for-pound star and 175lbs world champion Dmitry Bivol.<\/p>\n Ramirez proved to be too good for Billam-Smith on the night as he came out on top in a gruelling 12-round contest to add the WBO title to his WBA belt. <\/p>\n But despite falling short on the very biggest of stages, Billam-Smith said that one year on from the fight he was glad he went through the experience. <\/p>\n “I’m so grateful for it in a strange way,” Billam-Smith added.<\/p>\n “I think going into this next year now the experience will really benefit me, obviously I wanted to win that fight but there’s plenty positives to take out of the defeat.<\/p>\n “I’ve had to definitely polish up my skills and think about not just playing to my strengths the whole time, they’re not always gonna work especially at a top level against a super-skilled fighter like Zurdo and Opetaia.”<\/p>\n Billam-Smith admitted that over the past few years, balancing boxing with family time has been a tough challenge. <\/p>\n He and his wife Mia<\/a> are parents to two young boys and live in Chris’ hometown of Bournemouth. <\/p>\n The former cruiserweight champion has previously admitted that he does not have “ages left in the game”<\/a> at this stage of his career, and after a break to reconnect with his loved ones, he feels ready to pursue whatever may be in store for this next chapter.<\/p>\n “Time off has done me good and I think it’s kind of reignited a new flame and a motivation,” Billam-Smith said.<\/p>\n “I wasn’t enjoying boxing in the camp before the Glanton fight, maybe because of the loss to Zurdo and being away from home so much.<\/p>\n “I’ve had a good stint now where I’ve been out to spend a lot of time at home and be present since my second son was born and now I feel like I’ve flipped things round and I can really switch on and go for undisputed.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n