Billam-Smith Eyes Stateside Unification With Opetaia or Ramirez
After successfully defending the title, WBO cruiserweight champion “The Gentleman” Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13KO) is looking to fight WBA champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-1, 30KO) or IBF champion Jai Opetaia (25-0, 19KO). Billam-Smith is fresh off avenging the sole defeat of his career against Richard Riakporhe. Next, the WBO champion wants a unification.
HE WANTS ANOTHER BELT
During the post-fight interview, The Gentleman made it clear that unification in the United States is what he wants next.
“Vegas, baby. Yeah, if we can get a Zurdo in America. I mean, I say Vegas, he’s boxed there once before, maybe a couple of times . . . take me stateside. Let’s go.”
The Gentleman doubled down on wanting Zurdo, but isn’t opposed to facing Opetaia.
“I want to box in America, that’s the next dream for me. I really want to box over there. I’ll fight either of them over there.”
Opetaia isn’t opposed to fighting Billam-Smith, at all. In 2023, the Aussie called for the fight following a victory over Jordan Thompson. Some view him as the best champion in the division, considering he holds The Ring’s title. The IBF champion is coming off another victory over three-time champion Mairis Briedis on May 18.
On March 31, Zurdo snagged that WBA title away from Arsen Goulamirian in impressive fashion. The Mexican became a two-division champion fighting under the Golden Boy umbrella. In addition, he has fought in Las Vegas against Arthur Abrahams in 2016.
Ramirez’s desire to become an undisputed champion would entertain the possibility of fighting Billam-Smith in a unification. The cruiserweight division is beginning to heat up as big fights could be on the horizon for 2025.
Be the first to comment