BOURNEMOUTH boxing star Chris Billam-Smith delivered a knockout event at Vitality Stadium on Tuesday - and in turn raised more than £3,000 for the Dorset Children’s Foundation.

Cherries held an evening with the man nicknamed ‘The Gentleman’ during which the 31-year-old was interviewed about his life growing up, taking up boxing at 16 and rising through the amateur ranks.

Billam-Smith also detailed his professional progress under Shane and Barry McGuigan, from his pro debut in Bournemouth to becoming European cruiserweight champion by beating Tommy McCarthy at Fight Camp earlier this year.

Around 80 attendees were treated to a three-course meal in the Balfour Suite at Cherries and also had the chance to bid on special items up for auction.

Unique memorabilia was showcased at the event, including Billam-Smith’s gloves from his latest fight against Dylan Bregeon in Sheffield, and his hand wraps from his historic win over McCarthy.

A match-worn, signed pair of boots from Cherries winger Jaidon Anthony was also auctioned, as well one-of-a-kind sketch of Billam-Smith from artist Chris Small.

A total of £3,050 was raised from the auction on the evening.

Fans also got their chance to put questions to Billam-Smith in a question and answer session, as well as the opportunity to have their picture with the Dorset puncher.

Billam-Smith told the Daily Echo: “It was great. There were obviously a few items the club had such as signed boots, programmes and footballs, then a few of my fight-night items from my past two fights.

“It was really good to raise the amount of money we did, so a huge thank you for everyone who bid and ended up winning the items.

“That money will go far with the DCF. All the money directly from the auction goes to them, so it was amazing we were able to do that collectively to raise money for such a good cause.”

Billam-Smith is hoping to be back in the ring in the spring, with a show at the Bournemouth International Centre still in the pipeline.