Former WBO world cruiserweight champion Chris Bililam-Smith has become latest prominent fighter to sign with Zuffa Boxing and he's expected to headline later this year in the U.K. with the company's new broadcast deal with Sky Sports.
Former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith has officially become the latest prominent fighter to sign on to a multi-fight agreement with upstart promotion, Zuffa Boxing.
The official announcement came Monday that the 35-year-old English fighter, who is 21-2, 13 KOs, has now aligned himself with a company aiming to make an impact in the U,K.
Speaking about his new deal, Billam-Smith expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, especially the significance of partnering with both Zuffa Boxing and their new U.K. broadcaster,
“I’m really excited by this opportunity to work with Zuffa and Sky Sports,” Billam-Smith said. “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.”
While Zuffa Boxing events stream in the USA on Paramount+, they have a new deal to also broadcast cards on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom. Zuffa CEO Dana white said last month on the announcement of the Sky Sports agreement,
“The UK has played such a pivotal role throughout the history of boxing. The fans there are some of the most loyal and passionate in the world. When you talk about boxing in that region, Sky Sports has always been the home for legendary boxing fights. There’s no bigger or better platform to showcase the best boxing in the UK.
“This is a massive milestone for Zuffa Boxing.”
Zuffa’s first event in the U.K. is expected to take place in June or July with Billam-Smith likely to headline.
Billam-Smith rose to prominence in 2023 when he upset champ Lawrence Okolie via decision in his hometown of Bournemouth to capture the WBO cruiserweight title. He followed that breakthrough victory with two successful defenses, first stopping Mateusz Masternak with an eighth round TKO, and then, earning a hard-fought 12 round decision over Richard Riakporhe in a rematch that avenged the only loss of his career at the time.
Billiam-Smith's title reign, came to an end in November 2024, when he suffered a punishing decision loss to WBA champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in a unification bout held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Since that defeat, Billam-Smith has returned to winning form. In his most recent outing last April, as he got a 12-round decision victory over Brandon Glanton on the undercard of the highly anticipated Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn event in London. That performance reaffirmed his position as a top contender in the cruiserweight division.