HEAD coach Scott Parker said Cherries were “very proud” of the achievements earned by Bournemouth cruiserweight and lifelong fan of the club, Chris Billam-Smith.

The boxer nicknamed ‘The Gentleman’ set tongues wagging across the world last weekend.

He claimed a unanimous points decision victory over Isaac Chamberlain live on Sky Sports in a 12-round blockbuster at the BIC.

A number of Parker’s players were in attendance for the contest, as well as Cherries chief executive Neill Blake.

Success ensured the Shane McGuigan-trained star defended his Commonwealth and European belts and put him in the mix for a potential world title contest.

Asked whether he had a message for Billam-Smith, Parker told the Daily Echo: “Massive congratulations.

“I know a few of the players went as well, said the atmosphere was pretty electric.

“Congratulations from all of us. A massive result.”

Billam-Smith has a close connection with Cherries, having previously been a season ticket-holder as a child.

Parker added: “Like always, someone local, someone who has been in and around the football club in a sport which is probably the hardest sport out of anything – getting in a ring just you and another guy.

“We are very proud and hopefully we will see him around soon to obviously say that in person.”