Chris Billam-Smith and Lawrence Okolie discuss upcoming bout

Lifelong Cherries fan Billam-Smith has long dreamed of fighting at the home of his favourite football club, with the bout set to be staged at Dean Court on Saturday, May 27.

There is the added intrigue to the match-up with WBO cruiserweight belt holder Okolie due to the fact both fighters were stablemates under Shane McGuigan.

However, London-born Okolie recently linked up with Tyson Fury’s trainer SugarHill Steward, although the pair clearly remain close.

Billam-Smith shared: "Fighting someone I know very well for a world title is a very exciting opportunity.

“No one who has boxed Lawrence has done as many rounds as I have with him!

“I respect him, but no fear.

“Other champions we tried to get, but boxing politics and other shenanigans got in the way.

“It will be incredible (fighting at the Vitality). So many memories, dreaming of playing there, but my feet weren’t as good as my hands!

“I'm elated to be fighting at the home of my beloved AFC Bournemouth in front of my phenomenal fans.

“On May 27 I will repay them by winning a world title."

There will be a short-turnaround for Okolie, who defended his title at the end of March, taken all the way by David Light.

Straight into another training camp for the bout with the ‘Gentleman’, Okolie is looking to take momentum from his recent fight into the contest.

The 30-year-old commented: "I'm pumped, I'm ready to go.

"I've just come off a successful defence where I won all 12 rounds against an unknown but tough competitor, a national champion in his homeland.

"Now weeks later I am going in against a known tough boxer, a top 10 ranked boxer, former European champion and current Commonwealth champion Chris Billam-Smith.

"Not many fighters make back-to-back defences in such a short space of time. Not many pick the hardest fights available to them, but that's what I'm about.

"Chris, I love you, but I have to get the KO in this one."