Chris Billam-Smith has secured a hard-fought technical knockout victory over Ryan Rozicki in Bournemouth, turning his attention immediately toward a showdown with Jai Opetaia. The former WBO cruiserweight champion claimed the seventh-round stoppage in an epic hometown battle that saw both fighters exchange heavy blows before Rozicki's corner ended the contest.

Billam-Smith expressed his desire to face Opetaia next, stating "I want him next" and emphasizing this has been a long-sought matchup since he signed with Zuffa Boxing. The 35-year-old acknowledged Opetaia may have other options, including a potential clash with WBC champion Noel Mikaelian.

Both fighters required hospital treatment as a precaution following their brutal encounter. Billam-Smith praised Rozicki as "the toughest man I think I'll ever face" while maintaining focus on securing the biggest available fight, positioning himself for a significant cruiserweight showdown in the coming months.