"Don’t count the days, make the days count."

Those were the words of heavyweight legend Muhammad Ali – and can be used as motivation whatever your chosen field.

For Bournemouth cruiserweight sensation Chris Billiam-Smith, November 23, 2019, will always count as a day of pure elation.

When the referee stepped in to stop his crucial contest against Craig Glover in Liverpool, pure joy was etched on the face of the victorious man they call ‘The Gentleman’.

With his first professional title in the Commonwealth belt secured, the Shane McGuigan-trained star was placed into the history books for fighters across the Dorset region.

But how did the former Poole ABC man reach a first professional belt in Liverpool that night?

The Daily Echo went to Bendall’s Gym on Ashley Road to go through a training session with the fighter – where he still trains people now - to learn about his rise to glory.

Asked what life was like before being signed to the professional ranks by Barry McGuigan in September 2017, Billam-Smith said: “I had loads of jobs in the past.

“I was doing Chinese delivery at one point. I was working in a call centre then personal training and, at one stage, earning very little money.

“They were jobs I didn’t enjoy, with regards to the call centre.

“I didn’t mind the Chinese delivery to be honest. I’d still happily do that now considering I got a free meal every Friday and Saturday night. That was probably half the reason I had to stop, to be fair!

“The call centre was not for me, some people can do it but I really couldn’t. I didn’t want to go back to doing it, so I had to make the boxing work.

“Thankfully, my mum was helping me out and not charging too much rent at that time. I was just training and working towards what I am doing now.

“It was a bit of a pipedream, but it has been a crazy rise to where I am at.”

Billam-Smith will always remain thankful to local promoter Steve Bendall, the man who helped give him the opportunity to combine his work and passion.

“I was working at Bendall’s Gym from around 2010. I started off with one class a week then did more and more,” he added.

“I was working every evening training the pros, taking classes and stuff like that – then fitting in my sessions around that.

“Steve gave me a very good platform to be able to do something I loved in teaching people boxing, keeping people fit and learning as well.

“I was surrounded by boxing and, now it’s a full-time job, it’s a bit surreal. I think I need to find a hobby because it used to be my hobby!

“It’s why I still come up to Bendall’s gym to see Steve. I still do a little bit up here and train someone. A lad I have trained for the past six years, I have kept training him on a Saturday morning.

“I owe Steve a lot. I have boxed on his shows and we are very close. The gym is doing well from a professional point of view.”

Billam-Smith has been proudly displaying his belt around Bournemouth since capturing the crown last month.

He has taken on various media interviews, been back to his old schools and even got the chance to parade the title at Vitality Stadium for Cherries’ clash with Liverpool on Saturday.

But there is one person the champion is still waiting to present his title to, mum Carol.

“She went on a trek in Nepal and was something like 2,800 meters at altitude,” he explained.

“By the time my fight had come around she had gone to India and travelled round there with my aunty.

“I think someone Facebook streamed the fight for her and she managed to catch it on there. It wasn’t the best view but she has seen it since as well.

“I spoke to her the next day because it was about three o’clock in the morning over there by the time of the fight.

“She is having a good time and has loved it. She will be home this month, so I am going to pick her up from the airport with my belt.

“It will be nice to see her because she has been so supportive throughout my life, even before boxing.

“Every Sunday morning she used to be stood by the side of a cold, wet pitch watching me play football. She was always there, so it will be good to reward her with a belt.”

With the title proudly by his side, 2020 is a huge year ahead for Billam-Smith.

He could fight the winner of Richard Riakporhe and Jack Massey, who are set to battle for the British title at York Hall on December 19.

A televised show in Bournemouth is also still a dream for the classy cruiserweight.

Away from the ring, he is set to tie the knot with fiancée Mia.

He said: “The wedding is in August, so I have to squeeze two fights in before mid-July.

“I am not organising too much. I just get asked questions, nod and say yes!

“Mia is good as gold. She has sorted out all the wedding, all the deposits are down and venues are booked. We are just waiting for a few replies for invites.

“We are looking forward to it. It should be an unbelievable 2020 both in and out the ring.”

More days and more moments ‘The Gentleman’ is looking to make count.