Boxing
Billam-Smith eyes Opetaia for 2027 as November return mulled
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Chris Billam-Smith anticipates a long-awaited showdown with Jai Opetaia in 2027, as he eyes a reunion with Cheavon Clarke.
The Briton, an ex-WBO cruiserweight champion, followed the Australian to Zuffa in pursuit of a blockbuster between the pair.
Billam-Smith has been forced to wait his turn though, as Opetaia prepares to face Noel Mikaelian in Las Vegas next month.
But 'The Gentleman' is unconcerned, and believes as long as both maintain their winning runs, they will eventually meet soon.
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"I think I need to get through my next fight and then I'll fight the winner of that, whoever that might be," he told Sky Sports News.
"Mikaelian on his day is a good fighter but I pick Jai to beat him. I feel like he's slowed down a little bit and gone a little bit past it now.
"[I am] looking most probably around November time [to return]. I think it will be in London or Bournemouth [but I] don't know who yet."
On Clarke, Billam-Smith added: "He's got two [amateur] wins over me so [...] I'd very much like to get one back.  We will see on that front.
Waiting game goes on for Billam-Smith
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
Chris Billam-Smith was full of hope he could finally snare Jai Opetaia after he followed the Australian and made the leap to Zuffa.
Despite turning over Ryan Rozicki though, 'The Gentleman' remains second-fiddle to his rival's ambitions to regather his world title.
Of course, Opetaia's clash with WBC star Noel Mikaelian comes freighted with questions too amid talk the latter could be stripped.
Either way, Billam-Smith will need to turn towards his own fortunes soon again, with a November return ideal to keep ticking over.
Come through that, and perhaps his dreams will be realised. But the star may do well not to hold his breath on this lengthy saga too.
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