Billam-Smith Sets Sights on Opetaia After Joining Zuffa

Chris Billam-Smith has his eyes on a showdown with Jai Opetaia to solidify his position as the world's best after inking a deal with Zuffa Boxing, with his bouts now set to air 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 last year. Opetaia, also a Zuffa fighter, recently became the inaugural Zuffa world cruiserweight champion with a unanimous decision victory over Glanton. "We are two of the biggest names in the cruiserweight division and are signed under the same promoter," Billam-Smith stated in an interview with Sky Sports News. "I've boxed prominent figures like Richard Riakporhe and Lawrence Okolie under the same promoter in the past, so I'm confident this fight will happen. Part of my reason for signing with Zuffa is to pursue high-profile bouts, and facing Opetaia is at the top of my list." Billam-Smith added, "Zuffa will aid me in proving my status as the world's best by beating the best opponents. Everyone considers Jai Opetaia the best, and I've signed with Zuffa to chase these significant fights." Having not fought in over a year since defeating Glanton by unanimous decision, Billam-Smith, who has a multi-fight deal with Zuffa, has been in training camp since January and is looking to announce his next fight soon. "I'm eager to get back in the ring after a year's absence. We're working on securing a fight announcement soon, and I'd love to compete in the UK, preferably in my hometown of Bournemouth, where I've had some of my most notable career victories, including becoming a world champion in 2023 by beating Lawrence Okolie."