Chris Billam-Smith has publicly declared that his next objective is a showdown with fellow cruiser‑weight Jai Opetaia, a bout he believes will cement his claim as the world’s top fighter in the division. The British champion made the announcement shortly after sealing a new partnership with Zuffa Boxing, a move that also guarantees his upcoming fights will be broadcast 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 when he was dethroned by Gilberto Ramírez. He quickly rebounded from that loss, securing a unanimous‑decision victory over Zuffa stable‑mate Brandon Glanton at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April of the previous year.
That win not only restored his confidence but also reinforced his standing within the Zuffa stable, setting the stage for the next big challenge. Opetaia, who also fights under the Zuffa banner, captured the inaugural Zuffa world cruiserweight crown last month by out‑pointing Glanton in a unanimous decision.
The two fighters now share a common promoter and a mutual ambition to dominate the cruiserweight scene. "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, underscoring the natural rivalry that has emerged. The British boxer highlighted the strategic benefits of his new contract, noting that Zuffa’s influence could open doors that were previously out of reach.
He recalled previous high‑profile fights he had under the Sky umbrella, such as his bouts with Richard Riakporhe and Lawrence Okolie, both of which were marquee events that helped raise his profile. "They were the biggest names back then, so that’s definitely going to happen again," he added, hinting that a clash with Opetaia could become a headline event for the network.
Billam‑Smith emphasized that the Zuffa partnership is a key factor in his pursuit of the Opetaia fight. "That’s part of this deal, and part of the reason I signed with Zuffa. There are lots of reasons, but it is definitely very high up on the list," he explained.
He believes the promoter’s resources, broadcasting reach, and matchmaking expertise will enable him to prove his claim to the throne by taking on the man many consider the current best in the world. "Zuffa will help me prove to everyone else why I’m the best in the world, and that’s by beating the best," Billam‑Smith said. "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." Despite a year‑long hiatus from the ring, the 35‑year‑old remains active in training. He has been camped out at a gym since January, focusing on conditioning, technical work, and sparring to ensure he returns in peak form. "I want to get back out. I’ve been out for a year now, so I want to get back in the ring," he told reporters.
"We’re trying to get that in the UK eventually as well." Billam‑Smith also expressed a strong desire to fight on home soil. His most memorable moments—including his 2023 world‑title victory over Lawrence Okolie—took place in his hometown of Bournemouth, and he hopes to replicate that atmosphere soon.
"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," he said. The boxer’s multi‑fight agreement with Zuffa ensures a steady stream of high‑profile matchups, but the Opetaia bout remains the centerpiece of his immediate plans.
While the exact date and venue are still being negotiated, Billam‑Smith indicated that an announcement could arrive "soon," with the expectation that the fight will be staged in the United Kingdom, potentially at a major venue capable of accommodating a large live audience and a global television audience via Sky Sports. Beyond the Opetaia showdown, Billam‑Smith’s future schedule may include other top‑tier cruiserweight contenders, as Zuffa aims to consolidate its dominance in the weight class.
The promoter’s roster includes several rising stars and established veterans, offering Billam‑Smith a variety of pathways to further cement his legacy. Fans can stay updated on the latest developments by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp, where the network shares breaking news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis, and exclusive interviews. Additionally, the platform encourages viewers to use Chrome for an optimal video‑player experience, ensuring smooth streaming of upcoming fights.
In summary, Chris Billam‑Smith’s recent signing with Zuffa Boxing has set the stage for a potentially historic clash with Jai Opetaia. Leveraging his renewed promotional backing, a year of dedicated training, and a desire to fight in front of his hometown crowd, Billam‑Smith is positioning himself for a decisive bout that could re‑establish him as the undisputed leader of the cruiserweight division. The boxing world now watches closely, awaiting the official fight announcement and the eventual showdown that promises to be a marquee event for both Zuffa and Sky Sports.