CHRISTCHURCH’S Chris Billam-Smith will be aiming to be king of the ring when he takes centre stage in the Elite ABA of England Championships.

The Poole ABC member takes on Ricardo Slue of Fitzroy Lodge in the semi-finals at the TA & Army ABC in Grove Park, South East London tomorrow.

Billam-Smith will be hoping to improve on last year’s result which saw him bow out at this stage after defeat to eventual champion Deion Jumah.

The 22-year-old told the Daily Echo: “Ricardo is a strong lad. He has stopped a few people in the previous rounds. But I am only worrying about myself. I know I can beat anyone on my day.”

Despite losing in the semis last year, former Portchester School pupil Billam-Smith is going into this year’s fight with high hopes.

He said: “I think my chances are good, I am confident. I plan to win the whole thing this year.”

Should Billam-Smith progress, he would be one fight from being crowned ABAE champion. The final is scheduled to take place on April 20 at the Rainton Meadows Arena in Sunderland.

While currently fighting in the 86kg cruiserweight division, Billam-Smith intends to move up to the 91kg heavyweight level in order to push for a place in the England and Great Britain squads.

Despite his long-term goal being to box at Rio 2016 as part of the Team GB squad, Billam-Smith is not getting ahead of himself.

He added: “At the moment, I am just looking to get through the next two fights and then, if I can become ABA champion, I will hopefully get another invite to the GB set-up in Sheffield.”

After impressing at last year’s ABAE Championships, Billam-Smith was invited to be part of the GB Boxing assessment camp where he was put through his paces at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield for a spot on the GB Development squad.

When asked about his experience at the camp, he said: “It went well but because I was at a weight that they weren’t looking for, I got turned away. That is why I am moving up to heavyweight this year.”