Chris Billiam-Smith aims for February 2026 return

There was also a business decision that shaped his year. Billiam-Smith has been ordered to face Roman Fress in a fight for the WBO interim cruiserweight title. The fight was discussed for January and was seen as an easy return option.

This has not progressed. The problem was the purse. The winning bid was approximately $157,000. Billiam-Smith’s share would have been less than six figures once splits were applied. For a former world champion returning after a long absence, the conditions were not accepted.

Going through the fight, Billiam-Smith gave up positioning. He fell to No. 5 in the WBO rankings near the end of 2025. There was no interim belt or mandatory position expectation. In return, he remained in control of his next move and the timing of his return.

Instead, Billiam-Smith chose to wait. He said he expects 2026 to be a busier year and the focus will be on bigger fights rather than a stopgap route. The goal discussed by his team is a return in February 2026.

This timing corresponds to a change on the promotional side. Billiam-Smith is promoted by BOXXER, which has moved its broadcast partnership to the BBC. Billiam-Smith spoke about the appeal of fighting on terrestrial television and the greater exposure it offers.

This comes after his loss to Gilberto Ramirez in November 2024, when he lost the WBO cruiserweight title by unanimous decision in Riyadh. This fight was physically demanding and marked the start of a slower period in his schedule.

No opponent has been announced. Billiam-Smith is expected to return in early 2026. February remains the working target, with management focused on fights justifying the time away.