Former world champion Billam-Smith signs with Zuffa
Former WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith has signed a multi-fight deal with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing promotional company.
'The Gentleman', 35, has a record of 21 wins and two losses and held the British, Commonwealth and European cruiserweight titles before winning the WBO world title almost three years ago.
He knocked down Lawrence Okolie numerous times on the way to claiming victory on a memorable night at AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium in May 2023.
After winning the world belt in his home town, Billam-Smith defended it twice with victories over Mateusz Masternak in Bournemouth and Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park.
He then suffered a second professional loss in late 2024 when he attempted to unify the WBA and WBO belts against Mexican Gilberto Ramirez in Saudi Arabia, Ramirez taking a comfortable victory on points.
Since that loss, Billam-Smith's only fight was a win over American Brandon Glanton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a year ago.
He is trained by coach Shane McGuigan – who has been in his corner since his debut in 2017 – and has signed with the company that former IBF cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia is also part of.
Prior to signing his new deal, Billam-Smith was promoted by Ben Shalom's Boxxer, who delivered the first of four home-town fights for him when he beat Isaac Chamberlain at the Bournemouth International Centre in 2022.
