Following his signing with Zuffa Boxing, Chris Billam-Smith has expressed his desire to face Jai Opetaia, aiming to prove himself as the world's best. This move will see him compete live on Sky Sports. Billam-Smith previously held the WBO cruiserweight title from May 2023 to November 2024, before losing it to Gilberto Ramirez. He then secured a win over Brandon Glanton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
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 biggest names in the cruiserweight division, and we're both signed under the same promoter.' He added that this factor played a significant role in his decision to join Zuffa, as it will provide him with the opportunity to face the best fighters, including Opetaia.
With a multi-fight deal in place, Billam-Smith is eager to return to the ring after a year-long absence, having been in training camp since January. He hopes to announce his next fight soon and is keen to compete in the UK, particularly in his hometown of Bournemouth, where he has enjoyed significant career highlights, including becoming a world champion in 2023.