Chris Billam-Smith Takes Out Tommy McCarthy More Decisively in Sequel Fight
It was rematch time between cruiserweights Chris “The Gentleman” Billam-Smith (15-1, 11 KOs) and Tommy “Mac Attack” McCarthy (18-4, 9 KOs) at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. The two went to war in December 2021 with Billam-Smith winning by nip and tuck split decision.
The stakes were just as high the second time around as they fought for the EBU European and Commonwealth title. Billam-Smith (3rd IBF, 4th WBO, 5th WBA, 8th WBC) and McCarthy (8th WBA, 11th IBF, 12th WBC) are world-ranked cruiserweights who envisioned themselves fighting for a world title. There was bad blood going into this one as Billam-Smith refused to shake McCarthy’s hand after the pre-fight weigh-in.
GAINING THE EARLY LEAD
Billam-Smith used the jab to set the tone and get off to a good start early. McCarthy played the patient game, waiting for his rival to lead so he could set traps, then counter. It paid dividends as a right hand got The Gentleman’s attention in rounds two and three. But at the end of the fourth, a series of power shots had Mac Attack on somewhat shaky legs.
That seemed to light a fire in Billam-Smith, who pressed the action in the middle rounds. McCarthy was relying on landing a big punch and looked like the more tired fighter.
FINISHING HIM OFF
Sensing a man that was wounded and vulnerable, Billam-Smith attacked in the eighth. Near the midway point of the round, he finished a combination with a booming right hand that put McCarthy down. Seriously hurt, McCarthy was unable to get up. He was counted out with one minute, twenty-eight seconds to go in the round.
Overall it was an impressive performance by the winner. Aside from a couple of shaky moments early, Billam-Smith had his way. It’s the kind of win that should elevate him in the world rankings and move him closer to a cruiserweight world title shot.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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