Zuffa Boxing may have secured their first really notable fight, signing former cruiserweight titleholder Chris Billam-Smith, which could potentially set up a bout with the top man in the division, Jai Opetaia.
The 35-year-old Billam-Smith (21-2, 13 KO) remains a top contender in the division, and a fight between Opetaia and Billam-Smith could help to add a little legitimacy to that belt in the eyes of many fans.
“This move is about proving I am the best in the world. I can’t wait to get back in the ring, headlining shows,” Billam-Smith told Sky Sports. “I want the best fights out there. The ones that are going to get me up for making a statement.”
Billam-Smith is said to have signed a “multi-fight” contract with Zuffa.
The Bournemouth man last fought in April 2025, also beating Brandon Glanton by decision, which followed his losing the WBO title to Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in a good, tough fight in November 2024 in Riyadh.
Billam-Smith, a fan favorite in the UK and someone who has truly earned his “Gentleman” nickname, as well as his reputation for action-packed fights, began a breakout run in 2021 when he beat Tommy McCarthy to win the European, British, and Commonwealth titles. He took the WBO title from Lawrence Okolie in 2023, and had a really strong run in the division with wins over Mateusz Masternak and Richard Riakporhe in WBO title defenses, before losing to Ramirez.
Opetaia would definitely be the favorite against Billam-Smith, but CBS has always had a knack for hanging tough in fights, with a good chin and a great gas tank.
We’ll see if Billam-Smith, having been inactive for a year, will take something of a rust-shaker or tune-up, or if Zuffa plan to go straight into an Opetaia fight this summer.