Billam-Smith joins Zuffa amid IBF title shot speculation

Chris Billam-Smith has become Zuffa's latest major cruiserweight signing, raising major questions over the Briton's future title hopes.

The former WBO champion follows ex-IBF strap holder Jai Opetaia in joining the ranks of the Las Vegas-based promotional company.

Yet the star's decision to pen terms with the Dana White-led body will likely only increase scrutiny on their ability to deliver major belts.

"I'm really excited by this opportunity," Billam-Smith was quited by Sky Sports News. "This is about proving I am the best in the world."

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Opetaia was stripped by the IBF after his Zuffa debut against Brandon Glanton, with the governing body refusing to sanction the fight.

Billam-Smith had been considered a leading contender to fight for the vacant belt, likely against recent eliminator winner Viddal Riley.

However, his Zuffa switch seemingly ends his chances of a second stint as world champion, throwing the division into further uncertainty.

Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez, who captured Billam-Smith's WBO crown in a taut unification bout, currently holds both it and the WBA straps.

He is due to defend them against two-weight world champion David Benavidez this May on DAZN Pay-Per-View and DAZN Ultimate Tier.

Billam-Smith bolt springs further questions

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

Those with their ear close to the ground may have seen the way the cards were falling - but this is still something of a bolt from the blue.

Chris Billam-Smith has made little secret of his desire to prove himself as the best cruiserweight in the world through another title stint.

But perhaps the lure of Jai Opetaia, now off the major belt board, but still considered the division's top operator, is what lured him to Zuffa.

It is a significant move for the organisation, in no small part because they now tout two former world champions in the same weight class.

Arguably, an Opetaia-Billam-Smith bout is as big as they come at cruiserweight - were it not for Zurdo and Benevidez carrying more stakes.

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