BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom says Cherries have been “so supportive” in trying to make Chris Billam-Smith’s dream come true in fighting on the pitch at Vitality Stadium.

The man nicknamed The Gentleman boosted his chances of landing a world title, when he brutally knocked out Armend Xhoxhaj at the BIC on Saturday.

The bout was one of a two-fight deal the 32-year-old agreed with BOXXER, with Shalom stating the Bournemouth puncher had the backing of Cherries to make his Dean Court dream a reality.

Asked whether he had spoken to the club about having a show at Vitality Stadium, Shalom told the Daily Echo: “They have been so supportive, honestly.

“They want this to happen. They feel very connected to Chris now and they have been supportive from the start.

“The fans that come out (to the boxing) are Bournemouth fans as well – it’s very connected with the football club and that seems to be going through a transition as well.

“I think it’s a very exciting time to be from Bournemouth and have everything going on with the Premier League and the first real superstar in boxing to come from the town.

“It’s a great town and we can’t wait to come back.”

Shalom’s promotion and Sky Sports first came to the town back in July, when Billam-Smith emerged victorious in a blockbuster 12-round contest against Isaac Chamberlain.

His knockout against Kosovo’s Xhoxhaj set tongues wagging on social media at the same venue.

“We came here in July. We couldn’t believe the love and attention for Chris and the was fans just embraced that boxing was in their town was the first time,” added the promoter.

“I don’t think boxing had ever really been here.

“We go to Liverpool, we go to Manchester, we go to Glasgow, we go to Newcastle and London. They are so used to having boxing, they are almost like ‘oh here it comes again’.

“But in Bournemouth, they love it. I’ve never seen a crowd that actually come in at five, six o’clock, they sit through all the fights – they support all the fighters whether they are from Bournemouth or not.

“It’s been amazing, it really has and they have got that local hero in Chris Billam-Smith that they can attach to. I think it’s great for the town – Michael B Jordan getting involved with AFC Bournemouth, everything is happening!

“The Creed premiere, I’ve got my eyes on that in March with Chris and it’s going to be a big lead up for what will be one of the biggest nights in British boxing next year in May at the Vitality Stadium.

“He deserves it because he’s come through war after war and he’s done it in front of his home fans.”