Chris Billam-Smith signs with Zuffa Boxing and will fight on Sky Sports | ‘This is about proving I am the best in the world’
Cruiserweight star Chris Billam-Smith has signed with new promotional powerhouse Zuffa Boxing and will fight live on Sky Sports.
Billam-Smith has signed a multi-fight deal and his promotional debut is set to be announced in the coming weeks.
The 35-year-old has a 21-2 (13) record and the reputation for being one of the most exciting fighters in Britain.
A former world champion, he lost his WBO title to Gilberto Ramirez but rebounded with a victory over Zuffa stablemate Brandon Glanton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London last year.
Billam-Smith’s Zuffa Boxing bouts will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Chris Billam-Smith admits potential bouts with former foe Lawrence Okolie and Deontay Wilder could tempt him to move up from the cruiserweight division
“I’m really excited by this opportunity to work with Zuffa and Sky Sports,” said Billam-Smith.
“When two powerhouses in the world of entertainment come together like this, you know it will be a success, and you want to be a part of that.
“This move is about proving I am the best in the world. I can’t wait to get back in the ring, headlining shows, live on Sky Sports.”
Chris Billam-Smith will fight on Zuffa Boxing cards on Sky Sports
Billam-Smith has a tremendous fanbase in his hometown of Bournemouth and headlined at the Vitality Stadium when he dethroned Lawrence Okolie to win the WBO cruiserweight title in 2023.
That win came a year after he thrilled his supporters with an all-action victory over Isaac Chamberlain to win the European championship and set up his world title shot with a crunching knockout victory over Armend Xhoxhaj.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from Gilberto Ramirez’s clash with Chris Billam-Smith for the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles
He also topped the bill at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park when he avenged an early career defeat to Richard Riakporhe and defended his world title against the hard-punching Londoner.
Trained by Shane McGuigan, one of the UK’s most successful coaches, from the start of his career, Billam-Smith has won British, Commonwealth, European and world titles on his route to the top of the division, all while routinely fighting in front of sold-out crowds.
Determined to take on the best opposition, he previously told Sky Sports: “I’m very motivated, very driven now, very excited.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Chris Billam-Smith defended his WBO cruiserweight world title against Richard Riakporhe with a unanimous decision win at Selhurst Park
“I feel in a really good place, probably the best place I’ve felt for many, many years, probably pre-Lawrence Okolie fight. I think mentally, where I’m at in life, but also physically as well. I feel like I’m in a really good position so I’m excited to get back in the ring.
“I want the best fights out there. The ones that are going to get me up for making a statement.”