McCarthy vs Billam-Smith Analysis and Prediction
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Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9KO) vs Chris Billam-Smith (12-1, 10KO)
Cruiserweight (200)
EBU European Cruiserweight Title
Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title
vacant British Cruiserweight Title
Tommy McCarthy
Northern Irishman, Tommy McCarthy, has been creeping up the Cruiserweight rankings in the dark. Since falling to a crushing fourth-round TKO loss to Richard Riakporhe, McCarthy has taken tough fights away from home to rebuild his career. After securing the WBC International title from the previously undefeated, Fabio Turchi, on his home turf, McCarthy hasn’t looked back. Aiming for his second defence of the European title, secured via majority decision against a rugged Bilal Laggoune, McCarthy faces his stiffest test to date.
Waving his lead hand in front of an opponent’s face, he patiently waits for opponents to draw onto his counters. Although there are extended periods of nothing serious being thrown, McCarthy’s ability to keep active with the jab has seen him favoured in razor-thin decisions. McCarthy has a good eye for incoming shots, able to pick his counters or slip the most significant damage. Unfortunately, as seen against Riakporhe, his lack of footwork leaves him stranded. Against an opponent with considerable reach, it meant McCarthy was consistently peppered on the outside. Against Chris Billam-Smith, a fighter more than willing to string together combinations, McCarthy lacks the evasive footwork necessary to keep himself safe.
Chris Billam-Smith
Despite his youthful looks, Billam-Smith is thirty years old and taking a much-needed step up in competition. Aside from the disputed split decision loss to Richard Riakporhe, Billam-Smith has otherwise been spectacular in the professional ranks. Aiming to defend his Commonwealth title for a second time, a world title shot remains only a couple of fights away if he is to come through victorious on Saturday night.
A giant for the weight class, Billam-Smith is a bruiser who thuds bodywork home on the inside. It is on the outside where Billam-Smith excels, however. Using his jab to manage distance, Billam-Smith manoeuvres around the ropes and never risks getting caught in a corner. Against Vasil Ducar, Billam-Smith was stunned in the second round but rode out the recovery with a hurtful jab and educated decision to tie up his opponent. By the mid-rounds, after Billam-Smith has made the necessary reads, he begins to unleash his powerful right hand that is more than capable of cracking a chin.
Predicted Result: Billam-Smith TKO Round 10
Northern Irishman, Tommy McCarthy, has been honing his craft and creeping up the Cruiserweight rankings in the dark. Since falling to a crushing fourth-round TKO loss to Richard Riakporhe, McCarthy has carved a wonderful five-fight streak including an away win against the undefeated, Fabio Turchi. With an increased emphasis on the jab, McCarthy waves his lead hand in front of an opponent’s face and patiently waits to draw opponents onto his counters. During periods of inactivity, McCarthy’s jab has often been the key behind his split decision victories. Unfortunately, as seen against Riakporhe, his lack of footwork leaves him stranded. Billam-Smith’s size and ability to string together combinations will expose McCarthy’s lack of evasive footwork. CBS is not only massive for the weight class, but he also owns an educated jab. A wonderful manager of distance, CBS can hold his own against McCarthy at range, but will truly pull ahead on the inside.
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