Cruiserweight contender Chris Billam-Smith has signed with Zuffa Boxing which, by association, means that his next fight will be broadcast by Sky Sports.
Bournemouth, England's Billam-Smith, 21-2 (13 KOs), is a former WBO beltholder, winning the title with an upset points win over Lawrence Okolie in May 2023. He would make two successful defenses, beating Mateusz Masternak and Richard Riakporhe, before losing his title to Gilberto Ramirez in a 2024 unification. His only action since then saw him outpoint Brandon Glanton 12 months ago.
The 35-year-old, formerly with Boxxer, stated: "I'm really excited by this opportunity to work with Zuffa," Billam-Smith told Sky Sports. "They're entertainment powerhouses and that's what I'm about: entertaining. It was a no-brainer.
"The move is about proving I am the best in the world. I can't wait to get back in the ring, headlining shows live on Sky Sports."
The inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight belt was contested in March, won by Jai Opetaia - a longtime target of Billam-Smith - when he too outpointed Glanton over 12 rounds.
“Boxing at the level I’ve boxed at and seeing what I see I don’t think he [Opetaia]’s ever looked invincible,” Billam-Smith told BoxingScene earlier this year. “I think he’s looked very, very, very good and no one could doubt his talent, but no one’s invincible and I think he’s shown that a few times."
Billam-Smith's recent inactivity coincided with his contract with Boxxer, which expired at the end of 2025, winding down. He was ordered by the WBO to take on Roman Fress in an eliminator of sorts but when the German's team won the purse bids by tabling $150,000, the Englishman's interest in the contest waned.
Billam-Smith, known as one of Britain's most exciting fighters, has signed a multi-fight deal with Zuffa. The first outing under his new promoters is expected to be announced later this month.
