Former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith has signed with Zuffa Boxing.
Billam-Smith is the latest high-profile signing for the upstart boxing promotion headed by UFC president Dana White.
The 35-year-old had previously been under contract to Ben Shalom's Boxxer stable, but will now look to challenge reigning Zuffa champion Jai Opetaia at 200lbs.
After twice reaching the finals of the ABA Championships as an amateur, Billam-Smith turned professional in 2017 and amassed a 9-0 record before suffering his first defeat against Richard Riakporhe.
From there he rebounded impressively to capture the Commonwealth, British and European titles before becoming the eighth Briton to become a world cruiserweight champion with a majority decision over Lawrence Okolie.
He later defended the title in his hometown of Bournemouth against Mateusz Masternak before avenging his loss to Riakporhe at Selhurst Park in 2024.
Later that year he suffered his second loss as a professional when he attempted to become unified champion against Mexico's Gilberto Ramirez.
In his most recent outing Billam-Smith featured on the undercard of the first Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn fight and returned to the win column with a 12-round decision over Brandon Glanton - who recently lost to Opetaia in a fight for the inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight belt.
"I'm really excited by this opportunity to work with Zuffa and Sky Sports," Billam-Smith told 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."
