A fighter with nothing at stake, yet everything to gain, possesses a distinct and potent form of danger, regardless of challenging odds. This relentless focus on personal ambition, this single-minded obsession with experiencing intense moments, forms a powerful asset in the world of boxing.
For cruiserweight contender Brandon Glanton, this mentality is central to his being. As he prepares for a confrontation with former world champion Chris Billam-Smith this Saturday, the American asserts he is ready for the full intensity of battle, accepting any potential, severe consequences.
A Difference in Motivation
Glanton claims his lack of immediate family allows him to push boundaries others might avoid. “I don`t have a family waiting for me to get home,” Glanton stated, “so I can push myself to different limits. I`m prepared to die in that ring.”
He contrasts this with Billam-Smith`s situation: “Chris and I have different concerns. He`s got a wife – he`s got a child at home – whereas I don’t have that distraction of, ‘what if my child sees my face like this,’ or, ‘what if I’m permanently damaged?’ Chris wants to win a boxing match, but I’m looking to hurt him each and every time I touch him.”
Glanton`s remarks underscore a clear readiness for extreme measures, prioritizing violence and destruction. While many boxers possess a unique mental toughness compared to the general public, some embrace the brutal reality of the “hurt game” even further. For Glanton, his desire to inflict pain on Billam-Smith stems from a specific past event.
The Encounter
After Billam-Smith defeated Lawrence Okolie in 2023, Glanton was ringside. He attempted to offer congratulations, but according to Glanton, he was met with an unexpectedly cold reaction. “[Billam-Smith] was rude [after the Okolie fight],” Glanton recalled. “I stuck my hand out and he just kept walking. Then he turned back and gave me a real smug look. He’s no gentleman.”
Since that encounter, Glanton has built his profile, including a significant stoppage win over Aleksei Egorov, earning him this potentially career-defining chance in London. Based on their limited interactions, Glanton, a noted hard puncher, anticipates a brutal and decisive outcome when they meet on the Eubank Jr vs Benn undercard.
“I didn’t even think Chris would say my name – he’s afraid of me – so I’m grateful to him for accepting this fight,” Glanton admitted. “He actually blocked me on social media, because he knows that I`m telling the truth. This loudmouth American is going to come over and do what I said to him two years ago. I told him, ‘I’m going to punish you.’ I’ll be surprised if the stadium isn’t silent by the time I get through with that man.”
Glanton also dismisses his opponent`s current state and ability: “Chris doesn’t have anything left. He’s been in so many wars, his feet are stuck in concrete, and he wants to be a puncher… [But] Chris is no puncher.”
The Bond with Coach Jason Jones
Beneath the aggressive persona, both in and out of the ring, Glanton possesses a more reflective side that values his close team, particularly his coach, Jason Jones. Jones has been a consistent presence and a strong mentor.
Glanton recalls first encountering Jones during an amateur tournament: “Going back to an amateur tournament, [Jones] was on Team Alabama and I was on Team Georgia. I was training for a fight the night before, but my team’s coach wouldn’t assist me in cutting weight… So I went over to Jason, and he helped me drop the weight.”
As a professional, Glanton trained with renowned figures like Robert Garcia and Abel Sanchez. However, after suffering an injury in 2018, he contemplated leaving the sport entirely. It was his reunion with Jones that proved crucial. “For whatever reason, I remembered that Jason Jones was the last person to help me, and he convinced me to stay in boxing,” Glanton explained. “Jason was able to put that time and energy into me. He was able to communicate with me in a way that I understand.”
Ready for the Road
Now, the fighter and his coach aim to execute a classic road victory in London. Despite the potentially immense noise from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium crowd, Glanton is confident he will clearly hear Jones` instructions.
“The squared circle is the same everywhere,” Glanton noted. “Obviously, it’ll be a rough environment. I’m the challenger, so I’ve got to come in and prove myself.” He believes he can turn the crowd: “But that’s fine because, by the time the fight is over, I’ll have the hearts of every British fan. Plus, in big environments like that, you can always hear my trainer’s voice. He’ll be right beside me.”
