Zuffa adds experienced former title holder to the growing list
Former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith (21-2, 13 KOs) has signed a multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, a move that puts his next fights on Sky Sports and drops him straight into the promotion’s growing cruiserweight mix. The 35-year-old has been out of the ring for a year and last won a 12-round decision over Brandon Glanton.
Billam-Smith’s run to a world title still carries weight in this division. He upset Lawrence Okolie for the WBO belt in May 2023, then defended it against Mateusz Masternak and Richard Riakporhe before losing a unification to Gilberto Ramirez in 2024. That loss, followed by contract issues with Boxxer, slowed his activity and left him waiting for the right move.
“It’s a no-brainer,” Billam-Smith said. “They are entertainment powerhouses and that’s what I’m all about: entertainment. The move is about proving I’m the best in the world. I can’t wait to get back in the ring, picking up live main shows on Sky Sports.”
The timing is directly related to Zuffa’s early moves at cruiserweight. The promotion crowned its first belt holder in March, when Jai Opetaia outpointed Glanton over 12 rounds. Opetaia has long been a name Billam-Smith has been chasing, and he has already made his views clear.
“I don’t think he’s ever looked invincible,” Billam-Smith said earlier this year. “He is very, very good, but nobody is invincible.”
There were other routes on the table. The WBO ordered him to an eliminator with Roman Fress, but interest cooled after the purse bid came to $150,000. Its Boxxer deal expired at the end of 2025, and the ensuing inactivity now looks like a waiting period for a bigger platform.
Zuffa has built his roster with a mix of prospects and familiar names, and Billam-Smith immediately fits as a ready-made opponent for meaningful fights. His debut under the new banner is expected to be announced soon.
He joins at the right time, but he also joins because he needs to move quickly.
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Last updated on 2026/04/13 at 12:28
