Chris Billam-Smith expects Jai Opetaia showdown in 2027 | 'I’m on it. And I’m still getting better!'

Chris Billam-Smith expects to fight Jai Opetaia next year, if they are both victorious in their upcoming bouts.

Former world champion Billam-Smith has long targeted Australia's Opetaia, widely regarded as the best cruiserweight in the sport.

Opetaia will box Noel Mikaelian on the undercard of Conor Benn's fight with Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas on September 12.

Billam-Smith should fight again before the end of the year and then intends to resume his pursuit of Opetaia.

It's a showdown he believes will happen in 2027.