The British fighters will meet in a rematch at Selhurst Park on June 15 and Billam-Smith is not concerned about stepping into the ring with the only man to have defeated him in his career.

The WBC cruiserweight world champion told Sky Sports: "Much different fighter now, different person, it's finally on and I'm excited. I'm glad the fight happened, it helped me build the experience and become the fighter I am today, it was my first proper 50/50 fight so good experience.

"It's hard to watch when you know what you're capable of.

"It's irrelevant now, I've gone on to do some good stuff."

Billam-Smith insists that he has "improved" in all departments since his loss in the original fight and is looking forward to putting his skills to the test in a hostile south London atmosphere.

He said: "I've improved in all areas. My boxing, physicality, mindset, I'm a completely different fighter and person now, everything that comes with it, the whole package, I'm very content with where I'm at.

"I think it's good it's not at Bournemouth in a way because it's a new motivation, there's a siege mentality going into somebody's back garden to fight - it's that world against you type of thing.

"It brings that new motivation, and one that I thrive in."