Losing to Ramirez in Saudi Arabia was just the second defeat of Billam-Smith’s career having previously avenged his other loss to Richard Riakporhe.

He travelled to the Middle East last November to face the Mexican who has only ever been beaten by pound-for-pound star and 175lbs world champion Dmitry Bivol.

Ramirez proved to be too good for Billam-Smith on the night as he came out on top in a gruelling 12-round contest to add the WBO title to his WBA belt.

But despite falling short on the very biggest of stages, Billam-Smith said that one year on from the fight he was glad he went through the experience.

“I’m so grateful for it in a strange way,” Billam-Smith added.

“I think going into this next year now the experience will really benefit me, obviously I wanted to win that fight but there’s plenty positives to take out of the defeat.

“I’ve had to definitely polish up my skills and think about not just playing to my strengths the whole time, they’re not always gonna work especially at a top level against a super-skilled fighter like Zurdo and Opetaia.”

Billam-Smith admitted that over the past few years, balancing boxing with family time has been a tough challenge.

He and his wife Mia are parents to two young boys and live in Chris’ hometown of Bournemouth.

The former cruiserweight champion has previously admitted that he does not have “ages left in the game” at this stage of his career, and after a break to reconnect with his loved ones, he feels ready to pursue whatever may be in store for this next chapter.

“Time off has done me good and I think it’s kind of reignited a new flame and a motivation,” Billam-Smith said.

“I wasn’t enjoying boxing in the camp before the Glanton fight, maybe because of the loss to Zurdo and being away from home so much.

“I’ve had a good stint now where I’ve been out to spend a lot of time at home and be present since my second son was born and now I feel like I’ve flipped things round and I can really switch on and go for undisputed.”