\n<\/p>\n
Billam-Smith’s biggest supporter is his wife, Mia.<\/p>\n
They met in a bar 10 years ago and were “pretty inseparable from the off”.<\/p>\n
“I knew he’d achieve big things with his mindset. He’s like nobody I have ever met before,” Mia told BBC Sport.<\/p>\n
“The pressure to perform is a lot for him. I feel that weight too as a wife and a parent, and worry about him and his health – that being said, he’s doing what he loves and I wouldn’t want it any other way.<\/p>\n
“I have actually started seeing a therapist to help compartmentalise my fears and manage my emotions, especially around fight week, to stop myself getting too overwhelmed, it is a constant balancing act.”<\/p>\n
Often during fights, Mia can be found sat with family at ringside, looking at the ground or away from the ring. <\/p>\n
Through camp she looks after their young son in Bournemouth while Billam-Smith trains in London, the trio reuniting on weekends. <\/p>\n
Mia has had some emotional moments with Chris after his bouts, but says being at ringside is like an “out of body experience”.<\/p>\n
“Sometimes I scream and shout, sometimes I dance to music between rounds, often I’m crying with my head in my hands but I honestly am not present mentally,” she said.<\/p>\n
“I will ask Chris’ brother what round we are on and if he’s OK, because for me that’s all I really care about. <\/p>\n
“Hearing the final bell go and him being OK is a relief, his safety comes first and the win comes second.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n