Chris Billam-Smith Brings Cruiserweight Firepower to Zuffa Boxing with Sky Sports Deal

Chris Billam-Smith is taking his credentials to a new home. The former WBO cruiserweight world champion has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing, putting his future bouts on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and positioning himself immediately in the thick of the promotions growing cruiserweight picture.

The 35-year-old Brit brings a 21-2 record with 13 knockouts into the new arrangement. His title reign began in May 2023 when he upset Lawrence Okolie for the WBO belt, and he defended it twice against Mateusz Masternak and Richard Riakporhe before a unification loss to Gilberto Ramirez in 2024 ended his time as champion. Contract disputes with his former promoter Boxxer followed, leaving him on the sidelines for the past year.

Now he is back, and he is not hiding his ambition.

This is a no-brainer, Billam-Smith said. They are entertainment powerhouses and that is what I am about: entertaining. The move is about proving I am the best in the world. I cannot wait to get back in the ring, headlining shows live on Sky Sports.

Billam-Smith last competed in late 2025, earning a 12-round decision over Brandon Glanton. He enters a Zuffa cruiserweight division that already has early structure: Jai Opetaia claimed the promotions inaugural title in March, winning a 12-round decision over the same Glanton. That sets up a natural collision course.

Billam-Smith has made his feelings on Opetaia clear. He does not think the Australian is invincible, and he has said as much publicly. The two have been on a collision course for years, and Billam-Smith sees this signing as the platform to finally make it happen.

There were other paths available. The WBO had ordered an eliminator with Roman Fress, but the deal collapsed when the purse bid came in at just $150,000. With his Boxxer contract expired and the inactivity stacking up, Zuffa presented the right opportunity at the right time.

For Zuffa, Billam-Smith represents a proven commodity. He is not a project — he is a former world champion with a full highlights reel and name recognition in a division the promotion is actively building. He slots in as a high-profile opponent for Opetaia whenever that fight gets made, which now feels like a matter of when rather than if.

Billam-Smith will fight under the Sky Sports banner, with his next bout expected to be announced shortly. If his career arc is any indication, he will not be content to wait long.