Chris Billam-Smith wife: Who is the English boxer married to?
Chris Billam-Smith is fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Richard Riakporhe in June 2024. It marked Billam-Smith's second successful defense of his WBO cruiserweight championship and helped avenge a 2019 split decision loss against Riakporhe, which is 'The Gentleman's' lone defeat thus far.
Presently, the 34-year-old is set to fight WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez. Their title unification showdown headlines a boxing card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Nov. 16, 2024. Today, we take a look at one of Chris Billam-Smith's biggest supporters - his longtime partner.
Chris Billam-Smith wife: Who is the English boxer married to?
Chris Billam-Smith met his partner Mia in 2014. The couple tied the knot on Aug. 28, 2020. In 2019, the Bournemouth Echo reported that the pugilist proposed to longtime partner Mia that year. They planned to head to Italy to scout wedding venues, with Chris even labeling her "an absolute angel."
In an Instagram post in 2019, Chris lauded Mia for helping with his events' ticket sales and management, charitable work (including blood donation), and for her full-time job.
Additionally, as reported by Leticia Hosang for Conka in June 2024, the couple finalized several logistical arrangements to wed in Italy in 2020. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered those plans.
Mia Billam-Smith indicated that despite facing some economic hardships around that time, their bond was stronger than ever. An interior designer who has also worked in several other realms including sales and marketing, Mia recalled that their wedding transpired "in front of 14 people at a local registry office." A local pizza joint hosted the reception.
Given their grueling work regimes, Mia has lately redirected the time and energy away from her interior designer career toward managing her husband and raising their two-year-old son, Frank.
Speaking to The Guardian in 2023, Mia recalled an early morning conversation she had with Chris Billam-Smith, wherein she revealed her dream was to be a mother. Apparently, when she asked Chris what he wanted to have achieved when he was on his deathbed, his answer was to be world champion.
Mia has been quite vocal about the emotional challenges a boxer's loved ones face watching them compete. She acknowledged Chris' love for boxing and reaffirmed that she'll support his dreams, whilst also emphasizing that though he's chosen that path, she's unlikely to ever be prepared to watch him sustain punishment:
"I don't think there will ever be a time when I'm ready to watch Chris get punched in the ring."
Moreover, Mia reiterated how much she worries about Chris Billam-Smith's health. As reported by the BBC earlier this month, the boxer trains in London during the weekdays, while Mia and Frank live in Bournemouth. The family gets together on the weekends.
Mia noted that being ringside for 'The Gentleman's' fights was an "out of body experience." The 35-year-old also shed light on undergoing therapy to help compartmentalize her fears and emotions related to her husband's well-being.