Chris Billam-Smith is targeting a future showdown with Jai Opetaia after a year-long break from boxing. The British cruiserweight, who last fought in November 2024, says he's feeling rejuvenated and ready to make statements against the division's biggest names. Billam-Smith and Opetaia have been linked to a potential fight before, with Opetaia criticising the Briton for not fighting him when they both held world titles.

Billam-Smith explained the previous negotiations fell through when Opetaia wanted him to fight six weeks after a holiday. The British boxer insisted he needed a full training camp for such a high-level opponent. He's now focused on returning to the ring before pursuing major matchups with Opetaia, David Benavidez, and Gilberto Ramirez over the next one to two years.

The 33-year-old says this break has been beneficial, putting him in the best mental and physical shape since before his fight with Lawrence Okolie. Speaking at a Boys' Impact reading campaign event, Billam-Smith emphasized how reading has helped his personal development and family life, particularly with his toddler.