CHRIS Billam-Smith believes award-winning trainer Shane McGuigan is getting the best out of him ahead of his prestigious Wembley Arena showdown.

The Bournemouth cruiserweight's embryonic career will step up a gear when he fights on the undercard of George Groves's WBA super world super middleweight bout with Jamie Cox a week on Saturday.

Having last month overpowered Russ Henshaw on his professional debut, Billam-Smith's elevation to a big Wembley fight night represents something of a coup.

And the 27-year-old, a keen Cherries supporter, feels in good stead with Cyclone Promotions' McGuigan steering his career forward.

Billam-Smith said: "Last year Shane won trainer of the year and that says it all.

"I have someone in my corner who I have a great relationship with. He wants the best for me and we are on the same wavelength so it's great to be learning from him.

"You need a good team behind you in professional boxing because it's a hard business.

"I'm lucky to have such a great team around me, both family and friends and my promotional team."

Billam-Smith has sparred with Groves on a string of occasions, the latter facing Cox in the World Boxing Super Series quarter-final at Wembley Arena.