Opetaia Labels Billam-Smith a Dodger

Australian IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (25-0, 19 KOs) spoke about a potential fight against British WBO titleholder Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs).

"I’m ready for this fight. They said they’re waiting for negotiations and all that crap. That’s absolute bullsh**. He doesn’t want this fight. It’s simple to make. He’d get the biggest payday of his career. He’d be on the biggest stage. There’s no doubt about that, but the only reason they’re not taking the fight is because they’re dodging it. The offer is there, we’ve made it. If he doesn’t accept it – he’s running from the fight," Opetaia said on DAZN.

Recently, Opetaia’s promoter and head of Matchroom Boxing Eddie Hearn announced that his client’s next fight could take place on either October 12 or December 21.

Jai Opetaia last fought in May against Latvian Mairis Briedis (28-3, 20 KOs) and won by unanimous decision. Chris Billam-Smith fought in June, winning by unanimous decision against fellow Brit Richard Riakporhe (17-1, 13 KOs).