British star Chris Billam-Smith will hope to move closer to securing a cruiserweight world title shot before the end of next year by beating Armend Xhoxhaj this weekend.

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The 32-year-old has climbed his way through the rankings in recent years and another success may be enough for him to secure his spot as a mandatory challenger in 2023.

Kosovan Xhoxhaj has won his last two fights after losing to Mateusz Masternak in 2021 and he will hope to throw his name into the hat with a shock victory on the South Coast.

What: Chris Billam-Smith v Armend Xhoxhaj
Where: Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth
When: 22:00, Saturday 17th December 2022
How to watch: Sky Sports Boxing
Odds: Chris Billam-Smith 1/16, Armend Xhoxhaj 15/2

When is Chris Billam-Smith v Armend Xhoxhaj?

The two fighters will share the ring on Saturday 17th December, with Billam-Smith in action for the first time since July.

What time is Chris Billam-Smith v Armend Xhoxhaj?

The main card is set to start at 19:00, while the main event ringwalks should take place at 22:00. Of course, these timings may alter, depending on the length of the undercard fights.

Where is Chris Billam-Smith v Armend Xhoxhaj?

Billam-Smith's latest fight will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre in England. After fighting there for the first time in July, he will now hope he can make it back-to-back wins at the iconic venue on the South Coast.

Can I watch Chris Billam-Smith v Armend Xhoxhaj?

Sky Sports plan to broadcast the fight in the UK, but a U.S. broadcaster has yet to confirm if they will showcase the bout.

Who is the favourite for Chris Billam-Smith v Armend Xhoxhaj?

Billam-Smith is the overwhelming favourite for this month's contest at odds of 1/16. Many are viewing this fight as a "tune-up" contest, where Billam-Smith stays active before fighting for his first world title in the early part of 2023.

Xhoxhaj, who has never fought in Great Britain before, is considered a 15/2 outsider.

Billam-Smith is also expected to win by stoppage in his final fight before Christmas, with odds of 1/4 available for a victory by KO, TKO or disqualification.

Are there any belts on the line for Chris Billam-Smith v Armend Xhoxhaj?

There are no belts on the line for December's bout, even though Billam-Smith fought for the Commonwealth and European Cruiserweight titles against Chamberlain in July.

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What is Chris Billam-Smith's record?

Billam-Smith's record now stands at 16 fights and 1 defeat since he turned professional in October 2017.

"The Gentleman" has stopped 11 of his opponents inside the scheduled distance, while his only defeat came at the hands of Richard Riakporhe in 2019. 

Riakporhe recorded a split-decision win at the O2 Arena on that night, but Billam-Smith showed heart after being counted in the seventh round.

He has since won his last seven fights, beating Tommy McCarthy twice, while his win against Isaac Chamberlain in July was the biggest of his career.

What is Armend Xhoxhaj's record?

"The Bombardier" made his professional debut in 2018, and his career has taken him from North Macedonia to Nurnberg, and the majority of his fights have taken place in Germany.

Xhoxhaj has won 14 fights in four years, while he has only tasted defeat on two occasions.

Masternak and Dzemal Bosnjak both stopped Xhoxhaj earlier in his career, and he will need to be wary of Billam-Smith's power, even though he has seven knockout wins of his own.

Who is on the undercard for Chris Billam-Smith v Armend Xhoxhaj?

Cori Gibbs and Jimmy First will box first at Super lightweight before Lee Cutler takes on Joel Julio.

Michael McKinson returns at welterweight against Roberto Arrizaza, while Viddal Riley, Amine Boucetta, Caroline Dubois and Sofia Rodriguez will also box.

At heavyweight Nick Campbell and Steve Robinson collide, while Dan Azeez's clash with Rocky Fielding for the Commonwealth and British light heavyweight belts has the potential to steal the headlines.