Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of boxing! Chris Billam-Smith, a former WBO champion, is eyeing a comeback at cruiserweight, but with a twist. The big question on everyone's lips: Will he stay put or take on a new challenge?
Let's dive in and explore the intriguing possibilities.
After a decisive title loss to Gilberto Ramirez, Billam-Smith took a step back, regrouped, and emerged with a solid win over Brandon Glanton. Now, he's shifting gears, focusing on positioning himself for the big fights.
His sights remain firmly on the cruiserweight titles, a familiar and comfortable arena. But here's where it gets controversial... not every significant fight happens at the 200-pound mark.
One name that keeps popping up is Deontay Wilder. And this is the part most people miss: Billam-Smith isn't talking about a division change or a career shift. He's talking about a specific, targeted fight.
"I don't think my style suits heavyweight," he said, "but I'd love that fight." It's an intriguing statement, especially considering his past success against punchers and power-shot specialists.
But here's the catch: Billam-Smith isn't interested in the heavyweight division as a whole. He's clear that he sees only two scenarios that would pull him away from cruiserweight.
The first involves Lawrence Okolie, the only man Billam-Smith has beaten as a professional. If Okolie were to win a heavyweight title, a rematch would carry a powerful narrative.
The second scenario? You guessed it - Deontay Wilder. A risky, yet attention-grabbing fight, despite Wilder's recent setbacks.
For now, Billam-Smith's focus is on the cruiserweight division, specifically the WBC title held by Noel Mikaelian. This belt represents a direct path back to the title picture.
But the division might not stay so straightforward. David Benavidez is expected to move up from light heavyweight and challenge Ramirez for the WBA and WBO titles. If this fight happens, it could shake up the entire weight class.
"We want him to beat Zurdo, and we want to fight him," Billam-Smith said. "That's my view, and it's the team's view too."
The reasoning is simple: Benavidez beating Ramirez would create a direct link to Billam-Smith's title loss, adding an extra layer of intrigue to a potential fight.
Billam-Smith sees this fight as a close one, with both fighters having the potential to come out on top.
"What a name, what a fight," he said, highlighting the allure of big-name opponents and the prestigious stages that come with them.
Las Vegas remains a dream destination for Billam-Smith, a goal yet to be ticked off his list.
Above all, there's Jai Opetaia, the IBF champion, and Billam-Smith has a clear plan to get there: Mikaelian first, then Benavidez, and finally Opetaia. Three fights, each building towards the next, offering titles, leverage, and control.
"In an ideal world, that would be the route," he said. But he's aware that boxing rarely follows an ideal path. Plans can change quickly, but his direction is clear.
He's choosing his battles wisely, knowing that opportunities don't stay open forever.
So, what do you think? Is Billam-Smith making the right moves? Should he stick to cruiserweight or take on the heavyweight challenge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
