Chris Billam-Smith has made it clear that he hopes to line up a bout with Australian cruiserweight Jai Opetaia next year, provided both fighters emerge victorious from their respective upcoming contests. The former world champion has long set his sights on Opetaa, who is widely regarded as the premier cruiserweight in the division at present. Opetaia is scheduled to face Noel Mikaelian on the undercard of the high‑profile Conor Benn versus Ryan Garcia showdown in Las Vegas on 12 September. Billam‑Smith, meanwhile, expects to return to the ring before the close of the calendar year and then resume his pursuit of the Australian fighter.
He believes the eventual showdown could realistically take place in 2027. When asked by Sky Sports about his future plans, Billam‑Smith replied, "I think so. I need to get through my next fight and then I'll take on the winner of that, whoever it may be." He went on to assess Mikaelian, saying, "Mikaelian on his day is a good fighter but I pick Jai to beat him." Billam‑Smith also offered his perspective on Mikaelian's recent form, noting that while the Armenian‑born contender has collected respectable wins and built a solid résumé, he appears to be slowing down.
"It might take him a few rounds to set the pace," Billam‑Smith said, "and although Mikaelian has some good names on his record, I feel like he's past his prime now." Looking ahead to his own comeback, Billam‑Smith hinted that his next fight could be slated for November, most likely in London or Bournemouth, though he did not name a specific opponent. He added that the heavyweight landscape is currently congested, with David Benavidez also rumored to be arranging a December fight in Las Vegas. During a recent Sky Sports interview at a screening of the new boxing drama "Fightland," Billam‑Smith praised the undercard performance of Cheavon Clarke, who scored a knockout comeback victory over Jack Massey on the same card as Billam‑Smith's own clash with Ryan Rozicki. "Obviously Chev won on my undercard.
He's got two amateur wins over me, so from a competitor's point of view I'd very much like to get one back," Billam‑Smith explained. He also recalled that both Clarke and Massey had previously bested him in elite amateur championship finals, adding, "I owe them both. Getting a win now would settle those old scores." Billam‑Smith emphasized his willingness to face any opponent, noting the fluid nature of modern boxing contracts: "Zuffa are signing people all the time, so you never know who might pop up from the woodwork and get an offer.
We'll see what happens on that front." The British fighter's recent career trajectory includes losing his WBO cruiserweight title to Gilberto Ramirez in 2024, followed by a victory over Brandon Glanton in his sole bout of the following year. His most recent high‑stakes encounter was a thunderous clash with Ryan Rozicki in June, which demonstrated that the 36‑year‑old can still compete at the elite level.
Reflecting on that fight, Billam‑Smith admitted that a complacent approach would have cost him dearly. "If I'd taken my foot off the gas and just coasted, I would definitely have been beaten that night.
The key takeaway for me is that I have to stay switched on, keep pushing in training, and constantly look for ways to improve," he said. "I'm on it, and I'm still getting better." Beyond the immediate fight plans, Billam‑Smith expressed optimism about the broader boxing calendar for 2026, noting that major events are shaping up across the globe. He highlighted the convenience of streaming platforms such as NOW, which offer contract‑free access to live bouts, and encouraged fans to tune into the weekly Toe2Toe podcast for in‑depth analysis and interviews.
In summary, Billam‑Smith's roadmap involves a short‑term return to the ring, likely in the autumn, followed by a strategic pursuit of the Opetaia fight that he believes could materialise in 2027. His comments reveal a blend of confidence, humility, and a clear desire to settle past amateur defeats while continuing to evolve as a top‑tier cruiserweight. Fans can look forward to his upcoming November appearance, potential match‑ups against rising contenders, and, ultimately, the long‑awaited showdown with Jai Opetaia, which promises to be a marquee event for the cruiserweight division.