CHERRIES are fully behind Chris Billam-Smith in his quest for a world title – even if the squad cannot be in attendance as the puncher dukes it out with Lawrence Okolie this evening.

Vitality Stadium plays host to the bout between Billam-Smith and Okolie WBO cruiserweight in a first for Dean Court.

Whilst Cherries players have often been spotted in the crowd at Billam-Smith previous fights at the Bournemouth International Centre, but with their final game of the season to be played up on Merseyside tomorrow, the team will have already travelled to Liverpool.

They visit an Everton side that need a win to secure their Premier League status, although results elsewhere could see them safe.

Asked about the upcoming fight, O’Neil responded: “I think it's fantastic for the area.

“A big fight for him.

“Disappointed, obviously, that we can't be here to support him because we'll be up in Liverpool, but, yeah, we wish him all the best.

“I've just walked through the stadium there and it looks incredible.

“There's a lot of exciting things happening, as we know.

“Training ground, boxing at the stadium, progression in the squad, managed to stay in the Premier League.

“So, a real good year for the club, on and off the pitch.

“We wish Chris all the best. Hopefully, we can have a double this weekend of Chris and Bournemouth winning.”