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.

---

Fury and Hall up the tempo

Relive DAZN FACE OFF here

---

"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.

Watch Fury vs. Hall exclusively on DAZN

'The Beauty' Tommy Fury fights the 'The Beast' Eddie Hall on a great Misfits fight night on Saturday, June 13, exclusively live on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27), Joshua vs. Prenga (July 25) and Canelo vs. M'billi (Sept 12) PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.

For more information, pricing and to buy, click here.