Chris Billam‑Smith has made it clear that his next objective is a showdown with fellow cruiserweight Jai Opetaia, a bout he believes will cement his claim as "the best in the world" now that he has signed a deal with Zuffa Boxing and will be featured live on Sky Sports. Billam‑Smith’s résumé includes a stint as the WBO cruiserweight champion, a title he held from May 2023 until November 2024 before losing it to Gilberto Ramírez. He quickly bounced back, securing a unanimous‑decision victory over Zuffa stablemate Brandon Glanton at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year. Opetaia, also under the Zuffa banner, captured the inaugural Zuffa world cruiserweight crown last month, defeating Glanton by unanimous decision in a fight that further raised his profile.
"We are two of the biggest names in the cruiserweight division and we share the same promoter," Billam‑Smith told Sky Sports News. "I previously fought under the same promoter at Sky, taking on the likes of Richard Riakporhe and Lawrence Okolie – they were the top names at the time, so a clash between us is inevitable." He added that the partnership with Zuffa was a strategic move: "That’s part of the reason I signed with Zuffa – there are many factors, but this is definitely high on the list.
Zuffa will give me the platform to prove to everyone why I’m the best by beating the best. Everyone talks about Jai Opetaia being the best in the world, and he’s with Zuffa. I’ve signed with promoters to chase specific fights, and that’s exactly what I’m after." The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is already generating buzz, with fans eager to know when the marquee match‑ups will take place. Meanwhile, streaming services such as NOW are offering contract‑free boxing content, and podcasts like Toe2Toe are delivering weekly analysis for enthusiasts.
Billam‑Smith’s contract with Zuffa is a multi‑fight agreement, yet he has not stepped into the ring for more than a year, his last bout being the April victory over Glanton. The 35‑year‑old’s most memorable moments have often unfolded in his native Bournemouth, highlighted by his 2023 world‑title triumph over Lawrence Okolie on home soil. Despite the lengthy layoff, Billam‑Smith insists he has been training consistently since January and expects an official fight announcement in the near future.
"I want to get back out. I’ve been out for a year now, so I want to get back in the ring. We’re aiming to make that happen in the UK eventually as well," he explained.
He expressed a strong desire to fight again in Bournemouth, noting that it has been almost three years since his last appearance there. "It’s about getting back out, then securing the big fights," he said.
In addition to his own upcoming plans, the broadcast schedule includes other notable events, such as Alycia Baumgardner versus Bo Mi Re Shin, slated to air live on Sky Sports in the early hours of Saturday morning from Madison Square Garden. For viewers without a Sky subscription, alternative streaming options remain available.
Overall, Billam‑Smith’s alignment with Zuffa appears to be a calculated step toward re‑establishing his dominance in the cruiserweight ranks. By targeting Opetaia—a fighter who has already proven his mettle as Zuffa’s inaugural champion—Billam‑Smith is positioning himself for a high‑stakes clash that could settle the debate over who truly holds the mantle of the world’s best cruiserweight.
The anticipation surrounding this potential bout is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting the official confirmation of the date and venue, hopeful that the fight will soon become a reality on the Sky Sports platform.