It is expected that Benavidez will step up from light heavyweight to challenge WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez in May and, having lost his WBO strap the latter, Billam-Smith knows how tough a test that is.

The Bournemouth man will be keeping a close eye on that contest and would love a crack at Benavidez, should he prevail.

“I mean the only person who’s going to be annoyed about that [fight] is probably [IBF cruiserweight belt holder Jai] Opetaia,” Billam-Smith told Boxing Scene.

“I think from a boxing point of view, it’s a fantastic fight. I think with the Mexican heritage in it, it makes it even more exciting. Two very tough men.

“We know how tough Mexicans are. I know firsthand how tough ‘Zurdo’ is, so I don’t expect anyone to get stopped in that fight, but I do think Benavidez has a very good style to beat Zurdo.

“I think the way he puts his shots together – not saying that I think he wins; I’d still make Zurdo the favourite – but it’s a very interesting fight.

“I think it’s a very good fight, but if Benavidez does win, me against him – it’d be an unbelievable fight, wouldn’t it?

“If you look at the styles of me and David Benavidez, that would be phenomenal.”

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