Former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith has signed with Zuffa Boxing.The Brit snatched the burgundy and gold strap from Lawrence Okolie in May 2023 and went on to defend it twice against Mateusz Masternak and Richard Riakporhe.Billam-Smith held the WBO cruiserweight title between 2023 and 2024GettyHe was eventually dethroned in November 2024 by Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez in a WBA and WBO unification clash in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Billam-Smith returned to winning ways in April last year, beating Brandon Glanton via unanimous decision on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn I undercard.His deal with promoter BOXXER expired at the end of 2025, allowing him to crossover to Dana White‘s upstart promotion and return to Sky Sports screens.“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.”Barring a potential tune-up, Billam-Smith’s next fight will more than likely come against Jai Opetaia.The Aussie picked up the inaugural Zuffa Boxing 200lbs against Glanton in March, while simultaneously dropping his IBF strap.The IBF initially approved Opetaia vs Glanton for their version of the cruiserweight world title on the promise that the Zuffa belt would be presented as “a trophy or token of recognition.”GettyBillam-Smith last fought in April last year when he defeated Glanton on points[/caption]However, the major sanctioning removed their recognition after the belt was introduced as a “cruiserweight world title” at the pre-fight press conference.Opetaia was therefore stripped, and the European title fight between Viddal Riley and Masternak was upgraded to an IBF eliminator for the vacant No.2 spot.Riley won the bout via unanimous decision earlier this month, putting him in line to box No.3-ranked Billam-Smith for the vacant world title, with the No.1 spot unrated.Given Zuffa’s stance on sanctioning bodies and its particularly acrimonious relationship with the IBF, it seems unlikely it would put one of its biggest assets in a fight for the IBF belt.That being said, Zuffa recently signed IBF super lightweight champion Richardson Hitchins to a multi-fight deal. Boxing scheduleFor all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s boxing schedule.