BOURNEMOUTH fighter Chris Billam-Smith has won the European and British cruiserweight titles after a split-decision victory over Tommy McCarthy at Fight Camp.

After a 12-round war at Matchroom Headquarters, the 30-year-old was ahead on two of the three judges’ scorecards in a tense finale in Essex.

After a cagey opening to the first round, Billam-Smith looked to have the upper hand before McCarthy caught the Dorset fighter with a stiff overhand right.

The Gentleman wore the shot however and got back to his work with some neat combinations in a tight beginning.

Billam-Smith, who continued to throw more punches, enjoyed his best spell in the opening exchanges in the fifth round – teeing off on ‘Mac Attack’ while the Belfast man was on the ropes.

McCarthy then had to treat a cut which was developing on the top of his right eye after what appeared to be a clash of heads at the end of the sixth.

The defending European champion was then wobbled by a left hook from Billam-Smith in the middle of the eighth round.

Both men began to tire as the bout moved into the business end, with the former Poole ABC man still looking to be the busier of the two punchers.

McCarthy responded in the penultimate round, however, and caught Billam-Smith with a neat right hand to the head.

Both fighters emptied the tank and traded fierce blows in the final round of a colossal battle.

Billam-Smith raised his hands aloft on the final bell and was picked up by his corner post-fight.

And it was the Bournemouth fighter whose hand was raised at the end after looking at the scorecards.

The victory means Billam-Smith now holds three professional belts in total – and could be on his way to fighting at world level.