Good issues come to those who wait – or so hopes Chris Billam-Smith.
On Saturday, Billam-Smith gets the alternative to finish a 10-year wait for revenge when he shares a ring with Cheavon Clarke at London’s Copper Box.
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The Britons boxed in the last of the 2016 National Championships, with Clarke profitable by determination.
“Any competitor is going to want to get one back on someone,” he informed BBC Sport.
“It wasn’t a fight I was chasing but the fact I get the chance is just an added bonus and I think it’s a great opportunity for me to do that for my younger self if nothing else.”
Clarke, 35, went on to take pleasure in a profitable beginner profession, combating at both the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, while Billam-Smith had to wait until the skilled ranks to flourish.
After coming into the skilled ranks in 2017, Billam-Smith, 36, won British and European titles before his crowning second of turning into cruiserweight world champion in 2023.
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“It’s a message really that it’s not where you start, it’s how you finish and I think that I get to prove the progress I’ve made over the last 10 years on Saturday night.”
Opetaia still on Billam-Smith’s thoughts
Billam-Smith has lost twice in 22 fights as a skilled and loved an 18-month stint as WBO cruiserweight world champion.
His reign came to an finish when trying to unify against WBA ‘tremendous’ champion Gilberto Ramirez in November 2024, but Billam-Smith maintains an ambition to return to the highest degree.
After bouncing back to beat Brandon Glanton in April 2025, Billam-Smith signed with Zuffa Boxing and stopped Ryan Rozicki on his debut in June.
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Billam-Smith’s determination to be part of the Zuffa Boxing ranks was partly motivated by the risk of dealing with WBA ‘common’ champion Jai Opetaia.
Australia’s Opetaia, who also moved to the promotion in January, has been a long-term goal for the Englishman.
Hopes of incomes a shot at the 31-year-old seem more distant than ever, though, with Opetaia transferring up to heavyweight to face Deontay Wilder on the Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua undercard on 11 December.
“Opetaia is facing Deontay Wilder in December or David Benavidez in May so who knows, but it’s a fight that makes sense with us both being at Zuffa,” Billam-Smith said.
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“We all know how boxing works so it isn’t as easy as win this one and then fight him. If it doesn’t materialise then I’ll just carry on my career as I have done.
“Our timelines just have not actually matched up yet. If he fights Benavidez then to be sincere I think Benavidez beats him so then that battle would be type of lifeless in the water from my level of view, we’ll see.”
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