The upcoming grudge match between Chris Eubank Junior and Conor Benn on April 26th has garnered significant attention, not only for the rivalry between the two fighters but also for the supporting bouts that promise to deliver excitement. Among the undercard matchups, one fight stands out as highly anticipated: the clash between former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith and rising star Brandon Glanton. With each fighter bringing a distinct, aggressive style to the ring, this matchup is poised to be a highlight of the evening.
Chris Billam-Smith, the Epsom native known for his resilience and power, boasts a record of 20 wins and 2 losses, with 13 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His last outing, however, was less than stellar as he faced the formidable Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and relinquished his WBO title in a brutal contest. The physical toll of that fight raises questions about Billam-Smith’s current condition and mental readiness for this upcoming battle. Has the weight of that loss affected his confidence, and how will he cope against a fighter like Glanton, who may not only be formidable but also coming off a wave of momentum?
Brandon Glanton, aptly nicknamed “Bulletproof,” enters this matchup with an identical record of 20-2, but he has earned a reputation for his knockout power, with 17 of his victories coming within the distance. Recently, Glanton demonstrated his prowess by stopping Alexey Egorov in the later rounds of their June bout, showcasing his remarkable stamina and striking ability. However, Glanton’s career has seen its share of setbacks, most notably a pair of contentious decisions against David Light and Soslan Asbarov that momentarily dimmed his trajectory. Nevertheless, after a successful return to the ring, his confidence is likely bolstered by recent performances in sparring sessions with top-tier athletes, including WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian.
As the two fighters prepare to face off, the contrasting styles present a compelling narrative. Billam-Smith is known for his gritty determination, which was evident in his ability to withstand Ramirez’s onslaught throughout the title fight. He possesses both the volume and knockout power to keep opponents at bay, making it critical for him to dictate the pace of the fight. However, will the scars of his last bout linger and limit his performance against the aggressive Glanton?
On the flip side, Glanton’s athleticism and explosive striking make him a significant threat. His belief in his abilities was palpable when discussing the upcoming fight; he openly declared his intent to make a statement in the UK, further heightening the stakes for this encounter. His resilience has yet to be tested at the same level Billam-Smith has faced, thus he may encounter a unique challenge in overcoming a fighter who has proven capable of enduring punishing exchanges.
As both Billam-Smith and Glanton gear up for this pivotal battle, the stakes are high. The outcome may serve as a springboard for the winner to pursue a title shot and reignite their respective careers. Both fighters have expressed their desire to fight for championship gold, enhancing the significance of this non-title bout. Billam-Smith aims to demonstrate that he can reclaim his place among the elite and solidify his status as a two-time world champion, while Glanton seeks to affirm his aspirations of becoming a world champion and prove his potential on a larger stage.
The build-up to this fight encapsulates the excitement and unpredictability that boxing fans crave. With both fighters promising to leave it all in the ring, spectators can expect a fervent display of skill, heart, and determination. As the date approaches, the burning question remains: which fighter will emerge victorious in what many anticipate will be a thrilling contest? Will Glanton’s hunger for success prove decisive, or will Billam-Smith’s experience and grit prevail? The answer awaits in the ring on April 26th.