'I don’t play to other people’s tunes!' - Jai Opetaia rival sets conditions for cruiserweight bout

The former WBO title holder has long been linked to a bout with the IBF champion, with the pair calling each other out over the years.

But no clash has materialised since the Briton lost a unification decision to Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez in late 2024, despite plenty of talk.

As he plots his next moves for 2026, Billam-Smith acknowledges Opetaia represents a prime opportunity for him to take on in the ring.

Yet the star is adamant he will not go out of his way to force an encounter, as he seeks to rebuild towards a second reign as champion.

"That is a fight I would definitely be open to exploring next," he told The Ring. "But it’s got to be something that works for me.

"That’s an option for sure so it’s about getting whatever is right for me right now. I can't be fitting into other people's plans.

"I’m at the stage of my career now where I don’t play to other people’s tunes and do things for them. Earlier on in my career I had to do that

"But I'm in a position now where I don't have to. I have to just do what's right for me and negotiate the best deals.

"It's not like I want to be paid stupid money and I'm asking for anything ridiculous. It's just got to work for me and what's right for me."

Opetaia siren still calls for Gentleman

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

It might not be the ultimate white whale for both men,  but the amount of talk for a Jai Opetaia-Chris Billam-Smith bout is no chump change too.

The Australian, considered by many to be the top operator at cruiserweight, even with just the one major belt, is primed for a busy 2026.

Fight fans would surely love to see Billam-Smith take a shot at him, to settle long-running pub-and-podcast debates inside the squared circle.

But since his rebuild victory over Brandon Glanton last year, the Briton has kept his cards close to his chest - and will likely continue to do so.

The Opetaia siren still calls for 'The Gentleman', of course - but Billam-Smith will be wise to heed the sensible move for his career at this juncture.

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