Robin Safar targets Chris Billam-Smith after losing title path

Robin Safar has turned his attention to Chris Billam-Smith after a hand injury cost him a shot at unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez. The Swedish contender now sees an eliminator-style fight as the clearest way back into the title picture.

Billam-Smith has emerged as the most realistic option. The former WBO cruiserweight titleholder remains one of the highest-ranked fighters available without a confirmed next fight, and his position near the top of the division makes him a logical target for contenders trying to secure meaningful opportunities. Safar made clear he sees Billam-Smith as a direct obstacle to his own progress.

“I want a big world title fight, too, but the titles are tied up,” Safar said, as reported by The Ring. “Why are we not fighting each other in an eliminator?”

Safar, a 33-year-old contender from Sweden, has built an unbeaten record through 19 professional fights, stopping 13 of his opponents. His most visible win came in May 2024, when he defeated longtime former champion Sergey Kovalev by unanimous decision and scored a knockdown during the bout. That showing pushed his stock up and brought stronger backing from his promoter, though the rounds have been scarce since as he waited on a title shot that never came to the ring.

Safar is long, upright, and works behind a disciplined jab. Against Billam-Smith, who presses and throws in combination, the exchanges would be physical and sustained.

Billam-Smith last fought in April, when he defeated Brandon Glanton by unanimous decision in his first appearance since losing the WBO cruiserweight title to Ramirez. That loss ended his championship run but left him among the division’s most established contenders, making him a relevant opponent for fighters attempting to work their way back toward a title fight.

Safar’s position has become more uncertain after losing his original opportunity, but targeting a proven contender such as Billam-Smith offers a path back into meaningful fights while the cruiserweight division continues to sort out its next round of title opportunities.