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Boxing
'Better prepared' Billam-Smith ready for Opetaia challenge
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Chris Billam-Smith believes he has a superior resume against Jai Opetaia, and says he is "better prepared" to face the star.
The former WBO cruiserweight champion makes his Zuffa debut this weekend against Ryan Rozicki down in Bournemouth.
Billam-Smith's move to the promotion came after ex-IBF champion Opetaia penned terms, putting them on a collision course.
A 2024 loss to Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez previously checked the Briton's momentum, but now he feels he has his rival's number.
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"I think it's always been an inevitable fight," he told Sky Sports News. "It would have happened by now had I beaten 'Zurdo'.
"I think that would have been the next fight. But obviously things happen and I think I'll be better prepared for it now.
"Having gone through the experience of the loss, I think I'll be a better fighter for it. It is going to happen at some point."
On Opetaia, he added: "I think if you go name for name, I've got a better resume than him. I don't think you can argue with that."
"He's got a lot of skills.He's a great fighter and that's exactly why I want to get in the ring with him and see who comes out on top."
Does Billam-Smith truly have the better honour roll?
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
That's a bold claim from Chis Billam-Smith - but it's also not an unfair one for the Briton to make, given Jai Opetaia's track record.
While 'The Gentleman' has tangled with the likes of Lawrence Okolie, Richard Riakporhe and Zurdo Ramirez, the Australian... hasn't.
His two wins over Mairis Briedis are the standouts on an unbeaten resume that has somewhat been skewed to lower-end fighters.
Of course, Opetaia can only fight who he can secure. The star has been upfront about his struggles to make the bouts that he wants.
Then, if you compare the pair's wins over Brandon Glanton, the Sydneysider arguably showed more polish. It is an interesting comparison.
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