Unification fight 'must be next' for Billam-Smith

Chris Billam-Smith has defended his WBO cruiserweight belt twice and is aiming for unification fights next

Boxing promoter Ben Shalom is hoping he can announce "positive news" about the next opponent for WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith in the coming weeks.

Bournemouth's Billam-Smith, 33, has now defended his title twice, most recently in a 12-round points victory against previously undefeated Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park, London, last month.

“It has to be a unification fight next for Chris," Shalom told BBC Sport.

“There are three massive fights out there for him - Gilberto Ramírez for the WBA, Jai Opetaia for the IBF and Noel Mikaelian for the WBC.

"It’s now up to us to deliver the best fight for him, he’s made no secret about dreaming of fighting in Vegas. We’ve been speaking to Ramirez's team about making that happen. We have also been speaking to the other champions."

'The Gentleman', as Billam-Smith is nicknamed, won the WBO title when he defeated Lawrence Okolie at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium in May 2023.

He forced a stoppage against Mateusz Masternak at the Bournemouth International Centre in December before defeating Riakporhe in June, avenging the only defeat of his 21 fights.

“We need to select the fight that makes most sense for Chris. We hope to have some positive news to share in the coming weeks," said Shalom, founder of promoter Boxxer.

“Whoever and wherever he fights, we know Chris can count on great support from Bournemouth and all over the UK now.

“He is an elite fighter. He’s won and defended his world title twice against very good opposition. He keeps getting better and better. I would back him to beat any of the other cruiserweight champions.”

One of those potential opponents is IBF champion Opetaia, promoted by Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing.

The Australian is undefeated with 25 professional wins and 19 knockouts.

"Hopefully the fight can happen at some point," Hearn told BBC Sport.

"But Billam-Smith is going to want a lot of money because he knows how good Jai Opetaia is.

"I think he would prefer the route of fighting one of the other champions but if you pay him the money then I'm sure he'll be there."