POOLE boxer Chris Billam-Smith is “toying” with the idea of moving into the professional ranks – but only after he completes his bid for overdue glory at April's Elite National Championships.

Billam-Smith has twice been a beaten finalist in this country's most prestigious amateur competition – last year and in 2015.

He recently resumed training after re-injuring a shoulder that required surgery two years ago.

Billam-Smith told the Daily Echo: "I have gone as far as I can as an amateur.

"I didn’t make the last GB squad and if they didn’t select me this year then I don't think there is any chance they will in the future."

Billam-Smith nevertheless impressed GB performance director Rob McCracken last year, when he sparred with British Rio Olympic heavyweight Lawrence Okolie, who has since entered the paid ranks.

The Poole Amateur Boxing Club fighter subsequently secured the English Title Series heavyweight belt with victory over Midlander Ryan Hatton last September.

He currently divides his time between training and working in the gym of renowned Poole trainer Steve Bendall, to whom he will turn for advice on his next move.

"He has been there and done it in the pro game so I want to gauge Steve's opinion," added Billam-Smith.

"But for the next few months my only focus is the Elite Championships."