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.
With Zuffa just beginning to build its roster, the cards to date from the TKO venture have been solid but second- or third-tier sort of events, including Opetaia defeating fringe contender Brandon Glanton, an event more memorable for the resulting Zuffa vs IBF drama, and Opetaia being stripped
of his IBF title, but he does now have the fledgling Zuffa cruiserweight championship.
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.
