BOURNEMOUTH cruiserweight Chris Billam-Smith admitted he felt “overwhelmed” after viewing Cherries’ set-up – an experience he had been dreaming of since he was a child.

The avid Cherries fan got the opportunity to meet Eddie Howe and his squad ahead of the biggest fight of his professional career at York Hall tomorrow.

Undefeated Billam-Smith is set to take on Robin Dupre in a Commonwealth title eliminator at the famous London venue.

The 28-year-old revealed Howe would be following his career, with the duo having the chance to pick each other’s brains from their respective sports.

Billam-Smith told the Daily Echo: “I felt like I was there having won a prize! It took me back to being a little kid and I was just a bit overwhelmed.

“I got an invite from a lad from the marketing team. He got me along to meet some of the players and I had a chat with Eddie, which was nice.

“He said he remembered me and that he was going to follow my career. They were really welcoming and it was great to see the set-up down there.

“What Eddie has done with the club is unbelievable. He’s a leader and there are all sorts of things you can learn from those people – especially in an individual sport where you are your own leader.

“He is very big on visuals, there are a lot of quotes around the place and it was really good to get an insight.

“We had a chat about what was next for me. He asked what this fight was for and it was nice to have a conversation with him.

“I went around the training facilities, the players’ lounge, and went to see some of the training. It was good to watch and they are professional athletes at the top of their game.

“They are playing in the Premier League and, as a kid, it was my dream to play football. Life doesn’t always work out that way – I ended up with gloves on instead of boots!”

A flawless record of six wins from six contests has earned ‘The Gentleman’ a chance to put himself in the mix for a title.

But having seen first-hand what 31-year-old Dupre is capable of, Billam-Smith knows it will not be an easy task to make it a magnificent seven.

“I was there a year ago when he boxed Luke Watkins at York Hall on a Cyclone show,” he added.

“He has boxed for the Commonwealth title before and has a really good record, so I am buzzing for it.

“He is a good thinker and is awkward. It’s good to know what he brings and dangers he possesses, it’s definitely a positive.

“But this camp has been great. I have been sparring 10 rounds with George Groves as well as other lads in the build-up to it. It’s easily been my best camp to date, it’s been a bit of a step up.”

The victorious fighter is in line to face the winner of the vacant Commonwealth title bout between Wadi Camacho and Arfan Iqbal.

That contest is set to be held at York Hall on Saturday, November 17.