![](\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/static-assets\/images\/newsletter\/sport\/sport-135x135.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Chris Billam-Smith retained the WBO cruiserweight title against Mateusz Masternak on Saturday, as the challenger retired on his stool after seven rounds.<\/p>\n
Billam-Smith, fighting in his hometown of Bournemouth, was behind on two of the three scorecards when he managed to injure Masternak\u2019s ribs to the point that the Pole declined to continue.<\/p>\n
Billam-Smith, 33, won the WBO title against Lawrence Okolie in May, dropping his ex-teammate multiple times en route to victory.<\/p>\n
Saturday marked Billam-Smith\u2019s first defence of the belt, and the \u201cGentleman\u201d stayed composed to fight back \u2013 and through a cut over his left eye \u2013 and secure the win.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was trying too hard to land the big shot,\u201d he said after the fight. \u201cThe finishing shot to the rib was the right hook. I knew it hurt him, because he slowed down. <\/p>\n
\u201cI heard he had a problem with the right rib. He pulled out at the end, which is a shame, because I believe I would have showed maturity and adapted. I made it tough on myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Billam-Smith could now be set for a rematch with Okolie, or a second clash with Richard Riakporhe \u2013 who handed the 33-year-old his sole professional loss, via split decision in 2019.<\/p>\n