EPISODE 13
THE GENTLEMAN’S FIGHT TO WORLD CHAMPION
PROFESSIONAL BOXER, CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH
Throughout his illustrious boxing career to date, Chris Billam-Smith has held British, European and Commonwealth belts, and he’s showing no signs of backing down.
Boxing is an evidently physical endeavour, but Chris’ success arguably comes from valuing the mental side more than most, shown by his remarkable winning mindset.
Chris joins us to go Off Script and weigh in on safety in boxing, how pressure is a privilege, his relationship with failure, influencer boxing, and why it’s a business, not a sport…
This episode covers
Chris’ recent fatherhood reframing his worldview
His biggest successes to date & future ambitions
The effect of YouTuber/influencer boxing on the scene
The dangers of concussion in boxing, and how we can make it safer
Stress vs pressure, and why pressure is a privilege
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
“I think that's the biggest thing in relationships - owning your wrongdoings. That’s in all relationships, whether that's wife, parent, child, whatever. It's important as a father myself now to my five month old lad. As he grows up it’s important to show that it’s okay to be wrong, and to show emotion.”
13:15 - Chris Billam-Smith
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“Control the controllables. If something's happened that's deemed as bad, and you can't control it, then don't dwell on that. Life's too short, and we're reminded of this constantly.” - 18:10 - Chris Billam-Smith
“If I win my next fight, then I've got a world title fight, which is the plan. I could pay for my own brain scan after my next fight, just to make sure. But then I've got a world title fight, which is my whole dream. If I fail that brain scan, my whole dream is over.” - 27:00 - Chris Billam-Smith
“Pressure is a privilege, that’s a Billie Jean King quote and I think that's one of the best quotes ever. You’re never pressured in a situation where people don't expect something of you, and if people expect something of you then that's a privilege.” - 43:05 - Chris Billam-Smith
“To headline on Sky Sports, one of the biggest sporting platforms in the world, all based around me - that for me was an ‘I made it’ moment. It's not where I want to finish my career, I wouldn't be fully content and happy because I've got other dreams, but that is very much a massive tick off the bucket list.” - 57:10 - Chris Billam-Smith
“It's not a sport. People forget that. It's a business. Once you look at the business as a whole we go ‘Okay, fair enough’. If people don't want to pay loads of money for a ticket then they won't, that's your decision. The same goes for YouTube boxing as well.” - 1:03:45 - Chris Billam-Smith
“Do people actually care about the boxing being entertaining? Few do. More care about the circus that comes with it. That's where I'm not so good in the business. I'll say a few things here and there, but I'm always respectful.” - 1:07:20 - Chris Billam-Smith