Billam-Smith eyes autumn return, won't wait for Opetaia

Chris Billam-Smith says he will not wait for a rematch with Jai Opetaia and wants to fight again before the year ends. The cruiserweight is targeting an October, November, or December date for his next bout.

“I'm not going to wait around. I want to be out again this year. I've no idea what's next. Whether that's October, November, December time, they're the dates I'm looking at.”

— Chris Billam-Smith, via Sky Sports

What Chris Billam-Smith said

Billam-Smith lost his WBO belt to Opetaia in January, a unification clash that saw the Australian retain his IBF strap. The Englishman has since returned to the ring, and now faces uncertainty over whether the WBO mandatory picture will deliver an immediate return fight or push him toward a different opponent at cruiserweight.

What it moves

A decision on Opetaia's next defence could clarify whether Billam-Smith gets a second crack at the unified champion or pursues a different route back to title contention. Speaking to Sky Sports, the former champion made clear he will not sit idle while sanctioning processes unfold. The autumn timeline suggests he is prepared to take an interim assignment if the rematch does not materialise.

Source: skysports.com. Full Chris Billam-Smith fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.