BoxRec

Fresh poll. Previous one was from 3 years ago

I thought this was briefly ‘Discussed’ and then the mandatory fight was agreed?

Jai on points if it happens.

Billam-Smith eyes Opetaia, spot on Garcia-Benn card in Vegas

Chris Billam-Smith has confirmed he will fight Jai Opetaia in one of his next two fights after seeing off Ryan Rozicki at the weekend.

The Ring's No. 3-rated cruiserweight kept his composure to stop marauding Canadian Rozicki after seven bloody rounds at Bournemouth International Centre in what was his Zuffa Boxing debut.

Part of Billam-Smith's reasoning for joining Dana White’s promotional outfit was to secure a shot at The Ring's 200-pound king, Opetaia, who has also signed up with Zuffa.

Now that the job against Rozicki is done, “CBS” told The Ring that the showdown must happen within his next two fights.
He said: “Dana and the team have got a busy week this week putting on a UFC show at the White House but we will all sit down together at some point to work out our plan.

“I’m not entirely sure what is happening with Opetaia next because I’ve seen the Noel Mikaelian fight spoken about, I’ve seen a David Benavidez fight spoken about too.

“Opetaia is the aim for us but I understand that it's not as simple as just wanting that fight so I’m going to call for it and scream for it and demand it.

“People have different timelines in boxing and ours haven't lined up yet but they definitely will in the future.

“Whether that's my next fight or the fight after. I think it has to be one of those. So if it's not next for me, it will definitely be the one after. We will see.”

Billam-Smith’s coach Shane McGuigan previously pointed out that the Bournemouth man could dovetail nicely with another of Zuffa’s key UK signings Conor Benn. During a conversation with The Ring last month, he even suggested that CBS could land on the undercard of Benn’s next fight.

However, with Benn expected to fight Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas this September, that could rule out an appearance for “CBS” given the bruising nature of his victory over Rozicki, and the lengthy camp away from his family.

When asked if he would like to box on that undercard, Billam-Smith (22-2, 14 KOs) said: “It's a bit soon, really.

“If they do fight in September that’s a quick turnaround but if it's in October, then we might have to talk.

“I might have to talk to my wife Mia and ask if I can leave for camp a little bit earlier than expected. She might be up for it if she gets a trip to Vegas out of it.

“Personally I would absolutely love to fight in Vegas so that would be phenomenal if we could get on such a big card as well.

“If that fight happens between Benn and Garcia that's a huge fight. One of the most spoken about fights this year in boxing. For it to be in Vegas would be phenomenal.

“Let’s not rule anything out just yet. We will be sitting down together to work out what’s best all round.”

CBS has earned his title tilt and is certainly a more worthy challenger than anyone else Opetaia has put his belts on the line against (Mairis Briedis aside).

Whether CBS can beat Opetaia is another question entirely

Yet to be convinced by Opetaia. That said its a really shit set of cruiserweights. I'd have given CBS a good shot a couple years back but he'll be there for taking.

I think Benavidez would smash Opetaia up.

Lmfao why are people voting ko for Opy.

CBS has an excellent chin

Opetaia is so overrated. He's good but beat nobody apart from an old Breidis.

i'd give it to jai by stoppage

tigermoth87 wrote: ↑12 Jun 2026, 02:51 Lmfao why are people voting ko for Opy.

CBS has an excellent chin

Hes had some wars though. I sort of agree but the day will come when he does get dropped and it'll be like opening the floodgates! A bit like joe joyce.

Cyclops wrote: ↑03 Sep 2025, 08:13 I thought this was briefly ‘Discussed’ and then the mandatory fight was agreed?

Jai on points if it happens.

Changed my mind on this. I think Billam-Smith gets hit far too much. Opetaia's power is a bit overrated but Chris has taken a lot of damage now and it will catch up to him at some point.

Jai by stoppage.

The way Zurdo punched up CBS I have to assume he will be no match for Jai.

Jai is the most overrated fighter in the sport relative to his actual resume. He went life and death twice with Breides, including one who hadn't fought in almost 2 years and got his shit rocked both times, and that's it. Thompson and Zorro are not even Lonsdale level, though Massey is European level so that's an ok win.

Opetaia may be overrated based on the opponents he has fought, but nobody has defeated him, although a few have given him some trouble. CBS has shown he can take a punch and proven to be durable. I can't help but wonder if - or when - that will catch up to him.

I think the first half of the fight would be close, but Opetaia would slowly takes over in the second half to earn a competitive decision (7 rounds to 5), or maybe even a late stoppage due to accumulated punishment.

lefthook82 wrote: ↑12 Jun 2026, 10:58 The way Zurdo punched up CBS I have to assume he will be no match for Jai.

Jai is the most overrated fighter in the sport relative to his actual resume. He went life and death twice with Breides, including one who hadn't fought in almost 2 years and got his shit rocked both times, and that's it. Thompson and Zorro are not even Lonsdale level, though Massey is European level so that's an ok win.

Won the first Breidis fight with a double broken jaw after 2 or 3 rounds didnt he?

samwbr wrote: ↑12 Jun 2026, 11:59

lefthook82 wrote: ↑12 Jun 2026, 10:58 The way Zurdo punched up CBS I have to assume he will be no match for Jai.

Jai is the most overrated fighter in the sport relative to his actual resume. He went life and death twice with Breides, including one who hadn't fought in almost 2 years and got his shit rocked both times, and that's it. Thompson and Zorro are not even Lonsdale level, though Massey is European level so that's an ok win.

Won the first Breidis fight with a double broken jaw after 2 or 3 rounds didnt he?

And Breidis is one of the most underrated fighters in recent times.

mickey1975 wrote: ↑12 Jun 2026, 12:16

samwbr wrote: ↑12 Jun 2026, 11:59

lefthook82 wrote: ↑12 Jun 2026, 10:58 The way Zurdo punched up CBS I have to assume he will be no match for Jai.

Jai is the most overrated fighter in the sport relative to his actual resume. He went life and death twice with Breides, including one who hadn't fought in almost 2 years and got his shit rocked both times, and that's it. Thompson and Zorro are not even Lonsdale level, though Massey is European level so that's an ok win.

Won the first Breidis fight with a double broken jaw after 2 or 3 rounds didnt he?

And Breidis is one of the most underrated fighters in recent times.

He was great

good fight, jai's opposition been disappointing for a while now, but that said i think hed rise back to the ocassion and beat cbs , imo cbs style well suited for jai to handle. but as always cbs going to make opponent work hard

Completely wrong style for Cbs

wrighty wrote: ↑Yesterday, 03:51 Completely wrong style for Cbs

Agreed I think CBS gets badly hurt if this happens.