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. Billam-Smith, a former WBO cruiserweight champion, will now have his fights broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Having lost his title to Gilberto Ramirez, Billam-Smith rebounded with a win over Brandon Glanton at the 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, 'We are two of the most prominent names in the cruiserweight division, and being under the same promoter increases the likelihood of a matchup.' He emphasized that his deal with Zuffa will provide him with the platform to prove his superiority by defeating the best opponents, with Opetaia being a primary target.
Billam-Smith has been in training since January and is eager to announce his next fight soon, preferably in the UK. He expressed his desire to return to the ring and compete in his hometown of Bournemouth, where he has achieved significant career milestones, including becoming a world champion in 2023.