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Chris Billam-Smith Signs Multi-Fight Deal With Zuffa Boxing for Sky Sports Return

The move strengthens Zuffa’s cruiserweight push under a cloud of sanctioning disputes.

Overview

  • Billam-Smith signed a multi-fight pact with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing in a Monday announcement, with his bouts to air on Sky Sports in the U.K. and Ireland.
  • He moved after his Boxxer contract lapsed at the end of 2025, with his promotional debut due for announcement in the coming weeks.
  • The Bournemouth native is 21-2 with 13 knockouts, lost his WBO belt to Gilberto Ramirez in November 2024, and last boxed in April 2025 with a points win over Brandon Glanton.
  • Industry reports point to Jai Opetaia as a likely target, and ESPN lists Billam-Smith at No. 3 with the IBF, though any title route depends on how fights are sanctioned.
  • Zuffa’s creation of its own cruiserweight belt has strained ties with the IBF, which stripped Opetaia after a Zuffa strap was presented as a world title, a dispute that could shape which belts Billam-Smith can pursue.