Bournemouth’s Billam-Smith will aim to join an elite group of British boxers who have held more than one world title belt at the same time.

The venue in Saudi Arabia’s capital will host “Latino Night” with a card full of fighters from the stable of former world champion and now promoter Oscar De La Hoya.

The Fight Week media events took place in the Mexican section of Riyadh’s Boulevard World, a park with models and buildings of some of the most iconic monuments from around the world.

Billam-Smith is playing professionally outside the United Kingdom for the first time.

Despite the journey being so far from home, some loyal supporters made the trip to the Middle East to support their champion.

“Chris is just an inspiration as a human being,” says Billam-Smith fan Alex.

“Any young person coming through and wanting to get into boxing, he’s such a good role model. Everything about Chris is authentic. He loves Bournemouth too.”

“Chris is such a phenomenal guy,” added another supporter Conor.

“I first came across him through his involvement with a local charity and he is so generous with his time, for a middle aged man like me he is a bit of a hero and he is someone you just want to get behind.” and what you want to believe in.”

The atmosphere on fight night may not be what Billam-Smith is used to thus far in his career.

From sold-out arenas in Bournemouth and even at the Vitality Stadium where he headlined, the arena will be filled with a few thousand people, some there for Ramirez and others for Billam-Smith, as well as some neutral spectators.

“I know my support will be nice and loud on fight night,” Billam-Smith told BBC Sport.

“I will definitely silence Zurdo’s support. It’s amazing that a few people have made the journey, it’s such a long way and not cheap either.

“I’m very grateful and this is what drives me. I got into the sport because I heard people singing your name and it’s a special feeling.”