Chris Billam-Smith vs Mateusz Masternak LIVE: Start time, undercard, talkSPORT commentary and how to follow as The Gentleman makes first title defence

Chris Billam-Smith makes the first defence of his WBO cruiserweight title against Mateusz Masternak on Sunday, live on talkSPORT.

The Gentleman dramatically knocked former gymmate Lawrence Okolie down three times to claim his maiden title in May.

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The British star returns to his hometown of Bournemouth to defend his belt against seasoned Poland boxer Masternak.

Masternak, who boasts a 47-5 (31) record, returns to the UK for the first time since his 2015 unanimous defeat to Tony Bellew.

The 36-year-old is riding a six-fight win streak into the bout which was enough to bank him his first world title shot in his career.

Billam-Smith vs Masternak: Date and start time

This WBO cruiserweight title fight will take place on Sunday, December 10.

While title matches typically take place on Saturdays, Billam-Smith pushed the bout back a day to avoid a clash with Bournemouth.

The Cherries are in action away at Old Trafford to take on Manchester United and the reigning champion is counting on the fans’ support.

Billam-Smith, who beat Okolie at the Vitality Stadium, will defend his strap at the Bournemouth International Centre this time.

The main card starts at 7pm, with Billam-Smith vs Masternak set to get underway at around 10:15pm.

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Billam-Smith vs Masternak: How to follow

talkSPORT will have live commentary of the action in Bournemouth from 8:30pm.

Our team on the night includes presenters Adam Catterall and Gareth A Davies, commentator John Rawling and former super-bantamweight champion Spencer Oliver.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

The event will also be broadcast on Sky Sports.

Sky Sports customers can live stream this via the app using their mobile, tablet or computer devices.

You can also purchase a Sky Sports Day Pass from NowTV for £11.98.

Billam-Smith vs Masternak: Undercard

Subject to change

• MAIN EVENT: Chris Billam-Smith vs Mateusz Masternak – for WBO cruiserweight title
• Michael McKinson vs Musah Lawson
• Lee Cutler vs Kingsley Egbunike
• Ben Whittaker vs Stiven Leonetti Dredhaj
• Lauren Price vs Silvia Bortot
• Francesca Hennessy vs Lucrecia Belen Arrieta
• Lewis Edmondson vs Dmytro Fedas

Billam-Smith vs Masternak: What has been said?

“I don’t want to be a flash in the pan,” said Billam-Smith.

“There’s a different type of motivation now because you’re not chasing something, you’re trying to hold on to something and someone is trying to take something that’s yours.

“As a father, [the title] is like my second child now, and that honour of keeping the belt I want to keep.”

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Masternak said: “For 17 years I’ve waited for this time when I can have an opportunity to get a title.

“During these 17 years, I was winning, I was losing, I had tough fights but now is the time I get my dreams, for myself, for my fans and for Poland too.

“In his last fight Chris showed his strong will, he showed he can change the gameplan.

“He’s tough but he has a challenge against my experience and my toughness.”

Billam-Smith vs Masternak: Betting Odds

For the champion Billam-Smith to successfully defend his title, odds of 1/4 are available. For Masternak to cause an upset and become champion you can get odds of 3/1.

Full odds for the fight can be found here: Boxing Betting Odds

*Odds correct of 5/12/2023

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