The fighter will defend his WBO belt against his British rival at Selhurst Park on Saturday (15.06.24) and has vowed to turn the tables on his hard-hitting opponent by winning the bout inside the distance.

Billam-Smith told Sky Sports: "I see me getting the job done inside the distance 100 per cent.

"I think it is too big a step for him. His last fight was in a small arena, he hasn't headlined in a while so it's a massive step, the levels in ability is a huge step as well."

Billam-Smith thinks he is an underdog for the fight despite his world champion status but he will not let that influence his approach to the contest.

The Bournemouth boxer said: "Absolutely, I think I'll be underdog again, it's never affected me, I love being the underdog, I just focus on me and do what I've got to do.

"I think there's much more motivation this fight for me, the venue being away is added motivation. I'm pleased it's here, I'd prefer it's here than the Vitality, this is a new dream, another Premier League stadium.

"I wanted to play in the Premier League, but that was never the route, here I am fighting in their stadiums instead."

Billam-Smith is also delighted to have been given the home dressing room for the fight, even though Crystal Palace fan Riakporhe feels it should belong to him.

He joked: "My team have done their job, we've got champion's rights, champion gets home dressing room, it looks nice in there."