Zuffa Boxing have announced their latest high profile recruit after signing former cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith.
Billam-Smith defeated Lawrence Okolie to win the WBO cruiserweight title back in May 2023, before successful defences against Mateusz Masternak and Richard Riakporhe.
He lost that belt in a unification clash against WBA champion Gilberto Ramirez, before returning to winning ways in April 2025 by defeating Brandon Glanton – who recently fought for the inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight title against Jai Opetaia.
That marked Billam-Smith’s last ring appearance, and after spending the last few years working with BOXXER, he will now make the switch to join Dana White’s Zuffa.
Billam-Smith has signed a multi-fight deal with the company and will see his fights broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, something that the Bournemouth man is looking forward to.
“I’m really excited by this opportunity to work with Zuffa and Sky Sports. 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.”
Billam-Smith is the second major UK star to team up with Zuffa Boxing, following on from Conor Benn earlier this year, while American-based duo Richardson Hitchins and Edgar Berlanga also recently signed with the promotion.
Perhaps Zuffa’s most impressive fighter is Opetaia, and now that Billam-Smith has joined the ranks, it could lead to a showdown between the cruiserweight duo in the future.
The Brit is currently ranked number 4 with the WBC, 3 with the IBF and 5 with the WBO. Intriguingly, he could be set to be ordered to fight for Opetaia’s old IBF belt, after the Aussie was stripped when the sanctioning body took issue with the Zuffa belt also being on the line in his fight against Glanton.
