Jai Opetaia Accuses Chris Billam-Smith Of ‘Ducking’ Cruiserweight Unification Bout

IBF cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia launched an angry tirade aimed at Chris Billam-Smith on Thursday, accusing the WBO belt holder of ducking a unification bout.

Opetaia (25-0-0 19 KO) has made clear his plans to become undisputed in the 200lbs division before making an eventual step up to heavyweight. To achieve that, the Australian will need to defeat his three fellow champions, among them Billam-Smith (20-1-0 13 KO).

Opetaia made an appearance on DAZN’s live broadcast on Thursday as part of Justis Huni’s bout against Troy Pilcher – which Huni won by second-round stoppage in Fortitude Valley, Australia – and revealed that an offer has been sent to Billam-Smith.

Opetaia ‘Ready’ For Billam-Smith

“I’m ready for that fight,” Opetaia said when asked if he wanted to fight the British WBO champion.

“They’ve been going over saying they’re waiting for negotiations … it’s f**k**g bu*****t. He don’t want that fight. It’s easy done. He’d get the biggest paycheck he’s ever had, he’ll be on the biggest stage he’s ever been on.

“It’s a no-brainer to take but the only reason they wouldn’t take it if they’re ducking. The offer’s there, we’ve made the offer. If he’s not taking it, he’s ducking the fight.”

While only holding one of the four major titles, Opetaia is generally regarded as the best fighter in the cruiserweight division. He became a two-time IBF world champion by beating Mairis Briedis on points in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in May.

Mikaelian and Ramirez The Other Unification Options

It was his second win over Briedis having beaten the former champion in July 2022 to first claim the title. Opetaia only made one defense before he was swiftly stripped of the belt by the IBF for failing to fight mandatory challenger Briedis again, opting instead for a more lucrative bout in Saudi Arabia in December against Ellis Zorro, who he crushed in the first round.

Billam-Smith, meanwhile, claimed the WBO title in May 2023 with a career-defining victory over then champion Lawrence Okolie. The English fighter was awarded a majority decision, although two of the three judges accurately awarded him the win by wide margins.

Questions were asked after his first defense as a scrappy win against Mateusz Masternak, who retired after the seventh round, in December led some critics to believe the 33-year-old had peaked. However, Billam-Smith bounced back with an impressive points win over Richard Riakporhe in June to prove he still has plenty left in the tank while correcting the only defeat on his record.

Should Opetaia fail to agree terms with Billam-Smith, he could turn his attention to the other belt holders; Germany’s WBC champion Noel ‘Gevor’ Mikaelian and Mexican Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, who has the WBA belt.