EMOTIONAL Chris Billam-Smith dedicated the biggest victory of his professional career to the memory of Mick Cleere.
Cleere, a big fan of the ‘The Gentleman’, recently passed away ahead of the Dorset puncher’s impressive victory over Dagenham’s Robin Dupre.
Bournemouth cruiserweight Billam-Smith told the Daily Echo: “He was a friend’s dad who passed away not that long ago. I would like to dedicate the fight to him.
“All the rest of his family were there on Saturday. He was a lovely bloke and always supported me.
“He bought a t-shirt and it was just nice to have him supporting.
“He was always there ringside for my fights. They would buy a table down in Bournemouth and would always come for a picture after.
“It’s sad to lose people. I lost a fan but he was there in spirit on Saturday.”
Meanwhile, boxing legend Barry McGuigan has tipped the 28-year-old to claim the Commonwealth belt.
In his programme notes ahead of Saturday’s title eliminator, the former world featherweight champion said: “He is flourishing under the guidance of Shane (McGuigan) and working alongside champions like George Groves can only do him the world of good.
“I expect him to go on and capture the Commonwealth title in the coming months.”
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