ALTARNUN’S Sam Smith is targeting higher honours after returning to action with a unanimous points decision victory over Robbie Chapman at the Clash on the Coast 2 event in Torquay on Saturday, May 31.

The Bodmin Moor native hadn’t fought since September 2024 when he beat the previously unbeaten James Osborne on points to secure the vacant Southern Area Super Middleweight title, but showed little sign of ring rust as he won the six-round fight 59-55 against his London-based opponent, who is well-known for making life tough.

Smith, who was backed by a partisan following at the Riviera International Centre, was ‘happy’ with his performance despite the near nine-month lay-off.

He said: “This fight was a good stepping stone to push on from and I was happy with my performance considering I haven't boxed for a while.

“To face someone who was very durable and moved well, I felt like I did what I needed to do to win as he can be very awkward and makes a lot of boxers miss and look average.”

Being a farmer, Smith has had a busy spring, adding: ““I've been training alongside lambing and the farm work where I've managed to stay fit.

“Although there’s still a lot to learn, I feel like I'm getting better each time and I'm always working as hard as possible in the gym.”

Smith admits he’d been frustrated with his lack of ring time, but feels he is on the right path.

He said: “Boxing is in my blood, we used to have a prized fighter generations ago and now me and my brothers have worked hard to bring the Smith family name into the professional ranks.

“It's a hard sport to be in and it's something you have to have the mental strength to stick at and to be able to financially carry on with it, especially as a sheep and beef farmer on Bodmin Moor.

“But I was very pleased to have the chance to fight just an hour and a half up the road in Torquay as that's my home show and closest place for me to fight.

“It was pleasing to get six rounds in with a very experienced pro boxer, particularly considering I've been out the ring for over six months due to no fault of my own as I had a few opponents pull out.

“It was good to get some rounds in and knock out any rustiness, and now I feel I'm ready to push on for another title fight this year, hopefully a Celtic, English or British.”

Smith also paid tribute to his loyal supporters who headed to Torquay in their droves.

He concluded: “I would like to thank everyone who came to watch me and support their local Cornish farming boxer as it is hard for anyone in Cornwall to get looked at on the boxing scene.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to my sponsors, especially Connor Phillips who has helped me recover from any injuries so I can continue with my training camp which included my brothers Wes and Josh, the Eliot Arms and Rob Oldaker Plastering and Building and to my coaching team at Launceston Boxing Club, head coach Des Charnock and coach Martin Hesketh.”

If anyone would like to sponsor Sam on his journey, search @samuel_smith_1 on Instagram or email [email protected]