Shane McGuigan: 'Billam-Smith has worked harder than anyone in professional boxing to get to where he is'

The trainer tells Sky Sports about his fighter's rise to prominence, his rivalry with Chris Billam-Smith and what to expect from their fight on Saturday

McGuigan insists that Billam-Smith has reached the top level of the sport through hard work and dedication

Shane McGuigan believes that Chris Billam-Smith has worked harder than anyone in professional boxing to reach the top level of the sport.

Billam-Smith challenges for the European, British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles against Isaac Chamberlain on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, and McGuigan is confident that his fighter can emerge victorious.

"Chris has worked harder than anyone in professional boxing to get to where he is," McGuigan told Sky Sports. "He's been through a lot in his life, but he's never given up on his dream of becoming a world champion."

Billam-Smith has won 14 of his 15 fights, with his only defeat coming against Richard Riakporhe in 2019.

He has since bounced back with four impressive wins, including a stoppage of Vasil Ducar in his last fight.

McGuigan believes that Billam-Smith's work ethic and determination will be key to his success against Chamberlain.

"Chris is a very hard worker," McGuigan said. "He's always in the gym, and he's always pushing himself to the limit.

"He's also a very determined fighter. He's never going to give up, no matter what."

Billam-Smith's clash with Chamberlain is one of the most eagerly anticipated fights of the year.

The two fighters have traded barbs in the build-up to the fight, and there is a genuine dislike between them.

McGuigan believes that the rivalry between Billam-Smith and Chamberlain will make for an explosive fight.

"There's a lot of bad blood between these two fighters," McGuigan said. "They both want to win, and they both want to prove that they're the best cruiserweight in Britain.

"I think it's going to be a very exciting fight. It's going to be a war."