In a very competitive bout, Billam-Smith prevailed by split decision, with scores of 116-112 and 115-114 in his favour, and 115-114 in favour of McCarthy.[13] Billam-Smith made his first European title defense against Dylan Bregeon on 13 November 2021, at the Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England. He won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 120-109, 119-109 and 119-109.[14]