12 August 2023 , 10:00
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Chris Billam-Smith knows there’s no room for sentiment in elite-level sport.
Which is why the Bournemouth-supporting world cruiserweight champion wasn’t as taken aback as many when the Cherries ruthlessly axed Gary O’Neil shortly after he’d steered them to Premier League safety.
Billam-Smith, who is trained by Shane McGuigan, said: “Obviously, Gary O’Neil did a great job and we enjoyed having him charge, but in sport, life and business it can be ruthless. Something I’ve learned in boxing and something I’m constantly told by the McGuigans is to be ruthless, even when we’re in the corner between rounds. That’s the case a lot of time in sport and with Andoni Iraola, the new manager, in now, it’s looking promising with the style of play.
“The football is good, and I’ve spoken to a few of the players and they are enjoying it. Not that they weren’t necessarily enjoying it before but they are excited about the season. It’s definitely positive vibes coming from the club.”
The last sporting event at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium was Billam-Smith’s surprise victory over Lawrence Okolie to take the WBO crown. Marcus Tavernier and Ryan Fredericks were among the Bournemouth players in attendance.
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And the fighter hopes they and their team-mates are able to take the baton from him and carry it to another win when they host West Ham in their season opener.
The 33-year-old added: “It was a good end to the season at the stadium and especially for me. And now we need to start well. It’s probably even more important to give yourself a platform to build on in football than in boxing because every game is an opportunity to record vital points.
“West Ham have lost their best player and there are things going on there, so a positive showing and to pick up something in the first game of the season would be hugely important.”
Bournemouth have brought in new striker Justin Kluivert, attacking midfielder Hamed Traore, left-back Milos Kerkez and midfielder Romain Favire, and they are chasing Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott as Iraola puts his stamp on the side.
As a player, the new boss worked under several managers, including Marcelo Bielsa and Vicente Del Bosque. He ended his career at New York City, playing under Patrick Vieira and alongside Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard and David Villa.
Billam-Smith said: “I went to watch the friendly against Atalanta, we lost but you could see the style of play is there and what they are trying to do. The style of play was very enjoyable to watch and it looks like it is going to be an exciting season for us as well.”