#chrisbillamsmith

Chris Billam-Smith is ready to return to boxing with a clear mission: go after the biggest names in the cruiserweight division. And top of that list is Jai Opetaia.

The Bournemouth Bomber has been out of action for around a year but insists the enforced break has done him the world of good — mentally and physically. He says he feels "probably the best I have for many, many years."

The back-and-forth with Opetaia has been brewing for a while. The Australian — widely regarded as the best cruiserweight on the planet — has publicly criticised Billam-Smith for not fighting him back in 2024 when both men held world titles. CBS pushes back on that, saying he was willing to fight in November of that year but Opetaia refused to give him extra time for a full training camp after a holiday. Opetaia boxed in October, Billam-Smith fought Gilberto Ramirez in November — and that was that.

Now Billam-Smith has beaten Brandon Glanton — who went the full distance with Opetaia — and is setting his sights high for the next chapter of his career. "I want the best fights out there. You can only make a statement against the biggest names — like Opetaia, 'Zurdo,' Benavidez," he said.

First things first — CBS wants to get back out, get some rounds in, and build back up. But the intention is crystal clear. The best fights, against the best opponents. 💪

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