There was additionally a enterprise determination that formed his 12 months. Billiam-Smith was ordered to face Roman Fress in a combat for the WBO interim cruiserweight title. The bout was mentioned for January and was considered as a simple return possibility.
It didn’t transfer ahead. The problem was the purse. The successful bid got here in at roughly $157,000. Billiam-Smith’s share would have been beneath six figures as soon as splits have been utilized. For a former world champion returning after an extended layoff, the phrases weren’t accepted.
By passing on the combat, Billiam-Smith gave up positioning. He dropped to #5 within the WBO rankings towards the top of 2025. There was no interim belt and no obligatory place ready. In return, he stored management of his subsequent transfer and the timing of his return.
As an alternative, Billiam-Smith selected to attend. He has mentioned he expects 2026 to be a busier 12 months and that the main focus is on greater fights fairly than an interim route. The goal being mentioned by his staff is a return in February 2026.
That timing aligns with a change on the promotional facet. Billiam-Smith is promoted by BOXXER, which has shifted its broadcast partnership to the BBC. Billiam-Smith has spoken concerning the attraction of preventing on terrestrial tv and the broader publicity it affords.
This comes after his loss to Gilberto Ramirez in November 2024, when he misplaced the WBO cruiserweight title by unanimous determination in Riyadh. That combat was bodily demanding and marked the beginning of a slower stretch in his schedule.
No opponent has been introduced. Billiam-Smith is predicted again early in 2026. February stays the working goal, with the path targeted on fights that justify the time away.
