Billam-Smith Eyes Opetaia Showdown Following Zuffa Boxing Signing

Former WBO Champion Targets Cruiserweight Supremacy on Sky Sports

Chris Billam-Smith has set his sights firmly on a blockbuster clash with Jai Opetaia, declaring his ambition to prove he is "the best in the world" after finalising a promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing. The move ensures his future fights will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, setting the stage for major domestic showdowns.

The 35-year-old Bournemouth fighter, who held the WBO cruiserweight world title from May 2023 until losing it to Gilberto Ramirez in late 2024, sees the Zuffa platform as his pathway to the division's elite. He rebounded from that title loss with a unanimous decision victory over Brandon Glanton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last April, a fight that now serves as a key connecting thread to his new target.

The Path to Opetaia

Opetaia, the newly crowned inaugural Zuffa world cruiserweight champion, secured his belt last month with a win over the same Brandon Glanton. This shared opponent and promotional alignment has Billam-Smith convinced the fight is inevitable. "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 drew parallels to his previous career-defining fights under the Sky banner. "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. That's part of this deal, and part of the reason I signed with Zuffa."

Driven by Legacy and Homecoming

Now operating on a multi-fight deal with Zuffa, Billam-Smith has been out of action for over a year. Despite the layoff, he insists he has been in a dedicated training camp since January and is eager to announce his return to the ring "out soon." His long-term vision" class="text-green-600 hover:text-green-800 hover:underline font-medium" title="Club: Vision">vision" class="text-green-600 hover: text-green-800 hover: underline font-medium" title="Club: Vision">vision includes not just securing the biggest fights, but bringing them back to his hometown.

"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. "I'd love to box back home, back in Bournemouth. It's been nearly three years since that as well." Some of his most iconic career moments, including his world title victory over Lawrence Okolie, occurred in front of his passionate local fans.

Key Takeaways

• Major Signing: Chris Billam-Smith has signed a promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing, with his fights to be shown on Sky Sports.
• Clear Target: The former WBO champion has immediately called for a fight against fellow Zuffa fighter and champion Jai Opetaia to settle cruiserweight supremacy.
• Promotional Synergy: Billam-Smith believes being under the same promotional banner as Opetaia makes the fight a natural and inevitable blockbuster.
• Homecoming Dream: After a year-long layoff, Billam-Smith is targeting a UK return, with a long-term goal of fighting again in his hometown of Bournemouth.

The cruiserweight landscape has a new major player, and Billam-Smith's arrival at Zuffa promises to accelerate the biggest possible fights in the 200lb division. With Opetaia holding the promotional crown and Billam-Smith boasting a former champion's pedigree, their potential collision is now one of the most compelling narratives in boxing.