Chris Billam-Smith has revealed he would be prepared to step up to the heavyweight division to face Deontay Wilder if the planned bout between the American and Jai Opetaia fails to materialise. The Bournemouth fighter remains focused on his upcoming cruiserweight contest but is keeping his options open for future high-profile encounters.
Billam-Smith is currently preparing for his scheduled fight against Cheavon Clarke, which is set to take place on November 7. Despite the magnitude of that upcoming challenge, the British boxer has made it clear that he is actively seeking the biggest names in the sport for his future career path.
Reports suggest that Opetaia is currently being lined up for a heavyweight appearance on the undercard of the Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua event. Promoter Dana White confirmed that discussions regarding a potential fight between Opetaia and Wilder have been ongoing, highlighting the Australian's willingness to face elite opposition.
White noted that Opetaia is prepared to test himself against dangerous opponents regardless of the weight disparity. He described the potential matchup as a significant challenge for the cruiserweight star, given Wilder's reputation for possessing immense punching power within the heavyweight division.
Billam-Smith has long held an interest in facing Opetaia, who is widely considered one of the premier fighters in the cruiserweight weight class. However, he acknowledges that the Australian's current trajectory towards heavyweight bouts and subsequent clashes with David Benavidez may delay their potential meeting.
Regarding the possibility of facing Wilder himself, Billam-Smith stated that he would not hesitate to take the opportunity if the chance arose. He emphasised that he has consistently maintained an interest in testing his skills against the former world champion throughout his professional career.
The British fighter clarified that his primary motivation is securing the biggest fights available rather than focusing exclusively on championship belts. While he values titles, he is prioritising high-profile bouts that define a fighter's legacy in the sport.
Billam-Smith remains cautious about looking too far into the future, citing the immediate threat posed by Cheavon Clarke. He noted that there is a necessary fear factor involved in his upcoming November bout, which prevents him from overlooking his next opponent.
If the proposed schedule for Opetaia proceeds as planned, Billam-Smith suggested he might instead target David Benavidez in the future. He expressed a belief that Benavidez could potentially defeat Opetaia, which would then open a different path for his own career trajectory.
The cruiserweight division continues to see significant movement, with top fighters increasingly looking toward crossover bouts. Billam-Smith's comments reflect a broader trend of elite boxers seeking challenges outside of their traditional weight classes to maximise their marketability.
Dana White's involvement in managing Opetaia’s career suggests that the proposed heavyweight move is being treated with serious intent. The prospect of an Opetaia-Wilder fight has generated considerable interest due to the contrasting styles and the risks involved for the smaller man.
For Billam-Smith, the coming weeks are dedicated to his preparation for Clarke. The outcome of that fight will likely influence his standing in the division and his ability to command the major fights he is currently targeting.
The boxing community will be watching the developments surrounding the Fury-Joshua undercard closely. Any changes to the proposed lineup could provide an opening for fighters like Billam-Smith to step into the spotlight on a global stage.
As it stands, Billam-Smith is not pursuing a permanent move to heavyweight. He views a potential fight with someone like Wilder as a unique, one-off opportunity to face a marquee name rather than a long-term change in his competitive focus.
The fighter's commitment to his craft is evident in his approach to the sport's current landscape. By remaining vocal about his ambitions, he ensures that his name remains in the conversation for potential high-stakes matchups in the coming year.
Fans of the sport are awaiting further confirmation regarding the official undercard for the upcoming major event. The inclusion of cruiserweights in heavyweight contests remains a point of contention and excitement among boxing analysts and supporters alike.
Billam-Smith's career has been defined by his willingness to take on tough challenges. His upcoming fight against Clarke is viewed as another critical step in maintaining his momentum within the competitive cruiserweight ranks.
The potential for a clash with Wilder represents a significant jump in competition level for Billam-Smith. However, his confidence in his own abilities suggests he is ready to embrace such a challenge should the circumstances align correctly.
As the November 7 date approaches, the focus will shift entirely to the ring. The result of that contest will ultimately dictate the next steps for Billam-Smith as he navigates his path through the boxing world.
The sport of boxing continues to evolve, with fighters increasingly dictating their own paths through strategic matchmaking. Billam-Smith is clearly positioning himself to be at the centre of these developments as he looks toward a busy and ambitious future.
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