CHRIS Billam-Smith insisted the ongoing search for a suitable next opponent would not hinder his preparation.

The undefeated cruiserweight is set to feature in his eighth professional contest when he competes at Bournemouth’s 02 Academy on Saturday, December 15.

Now the mandatory challenger for the Commonwealth title, the 28-year-old revealed he had offered a number of fighters the chance to step into the ring with him.

He told the Daily Echo: “We have asked a few people but it’s basically just trying to get the right person for the right money.

“Some opponents ask for too much and you can only really afford a certain amount.

“But training is the same. I am training for a hard six-round fight to keep me ticking over until a bigger fight in the new year.

“I am improving all the time, I am doing a few new things in this camp which seem to be working. I am adapting my style a little bit, so it’s good.”

The former Poole ABC puncher is in line to face title-holder Wadi Camacho for the Commonwealth belt in the new year after he beat Afran Iqbal at York Hall on Saturday.