Chris Billam‑Smith has made it clear that he envisions a bout with Australian cruiserweight Jai Opetaia as a realistic goal for 2027, provided both fighters secure victories in their upcoming contests. The former world champion has long set his sights on Opetaia, who is widely regarded as the premier cruiserweight in the division today.
Opetaia is slated to face Noel Mikaelian on the undercard of the highly publicised Conor Benn versus Ryan Garcia event in Las Vegas on September 12. Billam‑Smith, meanwhile, expects to return to the ring before the year ends and then resume his pursuit of a showdown with Opetaia. "I think so.
I need to get through my next fight and then I'll fight the winner of that, whoever that might be," he told Sky Sports. "Mikaelian on his day is a good fighter but I pick Jai to beat him." The British boxer believes the timing will align for a 2027 encounter, a date that gives both men ample opportunity to rebuild momentum after their respective fights. He added that Opetaia may need a few rounds to establish his rhythm, noting that while Mikaelian boasts an impressive résumé, his recent performances suggest a slight decline. "He’s slowed down a little bit and maybe past his prime now," Billam‑Smith observed.
Regarding his own comeback, Billam‑Smith hinted at a November return, possibly in London or Bournemouth, though he did not confirm the exact opponent. He mentioned that the heavyweight landscape is currently congested, with other champions such as David Benavidez also planning a December fight in Las Vegas. "The champions seem a bit tied up," he said, indicating that scheduling conflicts could influence his next steps.
The undercard of Billam‑Smith’s previous clash with Ryan Rozicki featured a knockout victory by Cheavon Clarke over Jack Massey, a fight that caught the attention of fans and commentators alike. Billam‑Smith praised Clarke’s performance, recalling that the two had faced each other in the amateur ranks. "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 during a Sky Sports interview at a screening of the new boxing drama "Fightland".
He also highlighted the quality of the Clarke‑Massey bout, describing it as a strong candidate for "fight of the night" before his own match took the spotlight. Both Clarke and Massey have a history with Billam‑Smith, having defeated him in elite amateur championship finals. This personal rivalry fuels Billam‑Smith’s desire for redemption. "I owe him one and I feel like that does the Jack Massey one in the ABA final as well.
Both of those have beaten me in an ABA final. That would put that to bed so that would be nice," he said, expressing a clear motivation to settle past scores. When asked about future opponents, Billam‑Smith remained open‑minded.
"I’m up for whoever," he affirmed, noting that organisations such as Zuffa are constantly signing new talent, which could produce unexpected match‑ups. "You just don’t know who’s going to pop up out of the woodwork and get offered," he added, underscoring the fluid nature of modern boxing matchmaking.
Billam‑Smith’s recent career trajectory includes a loss of his WBO cruiserweight title to Gilberto Ramirez in 2024, followed by a victory over Brandon Glanton in his sole fight of the previous year. His June clash with Ryan Rozicki demonstrated that, at 36, he still possesses the capacity to compete at a high level.
Reflecting on that bout, he admitted that complacency would have cost him dearly. "If I’d taken my foot off the gas and was just coasting, I would definitely have been beat that night. That’s the important thing to take away from my point of view," he told Sky Sports. He emphasised the necessity of staying sharp and continuously seeking improvement.
"I had to be switched on, pushing the training as I do and looking for different ways to improve. I’m on it, and I’m still getting better," Billam‑Smith asserted, signalling his commitment to ongoing development despite his veteran status. The upcoming "Fightland" series, set to air on Sky and NOW from August 27, will provide further insight into Billam‑Smith’s mindset and preparation.
Fans can also follow the broader boxing calendar for 2026, which features a slate of major fights and streaming options through platforms like NOW, offering contract‑free access to live events and highlights. In summary, Chris Billam‑Smith is strategically positioning himself for a potential clash with Jai Opetaia in 2027, contingent on both fighters winning their next engagements.
He is planning a November return, possibly on home soil, while also seeking to avenge past amateur defeats against Clarke and Massey. His recent performances suggest he remains a formidable contender, eager to refine his craft and seize any opportunity that arises in the evolving cruiserweight landscape.