Chris Billam-Smith has publicly declared his intention to line up a bout with fellow cruiserweight Jai Opetaia as the next step in proving he is "the best in the world" after recently joining the Zuffa Boxing stable. The upcoming clash is expected to be broadcast live on Sky Sports, giving both fighters a high‑profile platform to showcase their talents. Billam-Smith first captured the WBO cruiserweight world title in May 2023, a milestone that cemented his status among the sport's elite. He held the belt until November 2024, when he was dethroned by Gilberto Ramírez.
Undeterred by the loss, Billam-Smith rebounded swiftly, securing a unanimous decision victory over his fellow Zuffa‑contracted fighter Brandon Glanton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London last year. That win not only reaffirmed his championship pedigree but also highlighted the growing synergy within the Zuffa roster.
Opetaia, also a Zuffa signee, added to his résumé by becoming the inaugural Zuffa world cruiserweight champion last month, again defeating Glanton—this time by unanimous decision. The parallel paths of the two athletes have sparked speculation that a showdown between them could become one of the most compelling match‑ups in the division.
"We're two of the biggest names in the cruiserweight division. We're both signed under the same promoter," Billam-Smith told Sky Sports News. He continued, "Under the same promoter at Sky before, I boxed Richard Riakporhe and Lawrence Okolie.
They were the biggest names back then, so that's definitely going to happen." Billam‑Smith emphasized that his decision to sign with Zuffa was driven largely by the promotional power and the possibility of high‑stakes fights. "That's part of this deal, and part of the reason I signed with Zuffa.
There's lots of reasons, but it is definitely very high up that list," he explained. He added, "Zuffa will help me prove to everyone else why I'm the best in the world, and that's by beating the best.
Everyone has spoken about Jai Opetaia being the best in the world, and he signed with Zuffa. I've signed with promoters to chase certain fights and that's what I'll be chasing." Although Billam‑Smith has a multi‑fight agreement with Zuffa, he has not stepped into the ring for more than a year, his last appearance being the April victory over Glanton.
The 35‑year‑old, who hails from Bournemouth, has spent much of that downtime training. He disclosed that he has been camped out in a training facility since January, preparing his body and mind for a return to competition.
"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 trying to get that in the UK eventually as well," he said. The boxer also expressed a strong desire to fight again on home soil. "I'd love to box back home, back in Bournemouth.
It's been nearly three years since that as well. It's about getting back out, then getting the big fights," Billam‑Smith noted, underscoring his commitment to reconnect with the local fan base that celebrated his 2023 world‑title triumph over Lawrence Okolie. The prospect of a Billam‑Smith versus Opetaia encounter carries significant weight for the cruiserweight division.
Both athletes have demonstrated technical proficiency, power, and the ability to perform under pressure. A fight between them would not only settle the question of who truly deserves the moniker of the world's best cruiserweight but also provide Zuffa with a marquee event that could boost viewership on Sky Sports and attract new sponsorship opportunities. Beyond the immediate matchup, the broader boxing calendar for 2026 is shaping up with several high‑profile bouts slated across various weight classes.
Fans can anticipate a mix of title defenses, cross‑promotional clashes, and emerging talent making their mark. Streaming platforms such as NOW are also offering contract‑free access to live boxing, expanding the sport's reach beyond traditional pay‑per‑view models. For those interested in staying up‑to‑date, Sky Sports offers a WhatsApp service delivering the latest news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis, and exclusive features. Meanwhile, podcasts like Toe2Toe provide weekly discussions on the sport's biggest stories, and curated highlight reels showcase the most exciting moments from recent fights.
In summary, Chris Billam‑Smith's ambition to face Jai Opetaia is more than a personal goal; it reflects a strategic move by Zuffa to position its top cruiserweight talent in a bout that could define the division for years to come. With both fighters training intensively and the promotional machinery in place, fans can look forward to an announcement in the near future and, ultimately, a high‑octane showdown that promises to deliver drama, skill, and perhaps a new champion in the cruiserweight ranks.