Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil said that Chris Billam-Smith’s fight at the Vitality Stadium is “fantastic for the area” ahead of his side’s final game against Everton on Sunday afternoon.
Hometown hero Billam-Smith will fight Lawrence Okolie for the WBO Cruiserweight Title at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday night.
O’Neil said: “I think it’s fantastic for the area. Big fight for him on Saturday, disappointed that we can’t be there to support him because we’ll be up in Liverpool but we wish him all the best.”
“Just walked through the stadium and it looks incredible. There’s a lot of exciting things happening as we know the training ground, boxing at the stadium, progression of the squad, managed to stay in the Premier League so a real good year for the club on and off the pitch.”
Bournemouth will be involved in a fight of their own at the weekend, with opponents Everton needing a win to ensure their Premier League survival.
O’Neil confirmed that Billing could return to the team on Sunday, with the Cherries being hopeful that Traore and Rothwell will also make the trip to Goodison Park.
The Bournemouth manager said: “Phillip Billing should be back involved after his back issue last weekend. Junior Traore we’re hoping but not sure yet, Joe Rothwell similar hoping he’s involved but still too early to confirm.”