Billam-Smith Sets Sights on Opetaia After Joining Zuffa

Following his signing with Zuffa Boxing, Chris Billam-Smith has expressed his desire to face Jai Opetaia, aiming to solidify his position as the world's best. This move will see him compete live on Sky Sports. Billam-Smith previously held the WBO cruiserweight world title from May 2023 to November 2024, losing it to Gilberto Ramirez, but bounced back with a win over Brandon Glanton at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Opetaia, also a Zuffa fighter, recently became the inaugural Zuffa world cruiserweight champion with a unanimous decision victory over Glanton. Billam-Smith stated, "As two of the biggest names in the cruiserweight division and being under the same promoter, a fight between us is inevitable." He emphasized that this matchup is a key reason for his decision to sign with Zuffa, seeking to prove his status as the best by defeating the best. Billam-Smith has been in training since January and is looking to announce his next fight soon, with the goal of returning to the ring after a year-long absence and potentially competing in his hometown of Bournemouth.