According to BOXXER's promoter Ben Shalom, talks are underway to give Chris Billam-Smith the opportunity to compete for the world title against the newly crowned IBF champion Jaya Opetai. Billam-Smith, ranked third in the IBF rating, in his last fight defeated Isaac Chamberlain.
The only defeat in his career, Billam-Smith, earned by hand Richard Riakpore by a separate decision of the judges in July 2019. Since then, he has won seven fights in a row.
Earlier this year, Opetaya won his major victory when, in a hard fight, he defeated Mairis Briedis by decision of the judges and won the IBF crown. And Ben Shalom wants not only to organize the fight between Opetaya and Billam-Smith, but also to sign a contract with Opetaya.
“I think this fight will take place. We are negotiating with Jai,” Shalom said in an interview with Sky Sports. — I think it can take place in December. We would also like to sign a contract with him. We think he is a very talented fighter that no one really wanted to fight. But there are a lot of young talents in cruiserweight right now: Richard, Lawrence, Chris, Mikael Laval, who will fight Deion Juma for the British title very soon - they all want to become world champions.
“They all want to win championships and Jai wants to come to the UK and defend his belt here. I really want to have Jai fight one of these guys. This is an exciting time for boxing in general. We are waiting for a lot of interesting fights. It's good that big fights are being played now. It seems to me that this is due to the fact that all the promoters and TV channels feel the pressure that the fans put on them,” Shalom added.
