Chev Clarke handed Chris Billam-Smith the first stoppage defeat of his professional career, knocking the former world champion down twice in the seventh round at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday. Clarke secured the win with a barrage of right hooks that prompted referee Lee Every to wave off the fight.
How did Cheavon Clarke defeat Chris Billam-Smith?
Clarke landed a right hand over the top early in the bout, setting the tone for a frenetic encounter at the Copper Box Arena. The fight featured frequent clinches that left both boxers visibly frustrated during the middle rounds. In the seventh round, Clarke connected cleanly with a heavy right hand that dropped Billam-Smith to the canvas.
The Bournemouth fighter struggled back to his feet, but Clarke swarmed forward immediately. Clarke drove Billam-Smith toward the ropes and unleashed a flurry of punches that put the former champion down a second time. Although Billam-Smith rose again, his legs appeared unsteady, and referee Lee Every stepped in to stop the contest as two more blows connected. Billam-Smith shook his head and immediately protested the stoppage, while Clarke shrugged his shoulders in the center of the ring.
What did both fighters say after the bout?
Billam-Smith acknowledged the decisive blow in his post-fight comments. “I’m fine. It was a good shot. He buzzed me, obviously,” Billam-Smith said. “It was a great shot. I made a mistake, but I felt like I was winning the fight.” He added that he would welcome a rematch to settle the score.
Clarke expressed satisfaction with his performance and his ascent in the division. “Underdog to who? Not us!” Clarke beamed. “I don’t care about a label. I’m Chev Clarke and that’s all that matters.” Clarke added, “I do what champions do. I’m happy. Arsenal won and I won. My training camp was good and you saw that in the ring. I’ll take all-comers going forward.”
How does this result affect their professional records?
The victory advances Clarke’s professional record to 13 wins and two defeats. The Londoner previously earned a victory over Jack Massey on the same card where Billam-Smith defeated Ryan Rozicki in June.
For Billam-Smith, the loss marks his third professional defeat. The former WBO cruiserweight world champion previously lost to Gilberto Ramirez in 2024 and Richard Riakporhe in 2019. He maintains a 22-2 record with 14 knockouts.
What history do the two boxers share?
The bout carried personal history extending back a decade. Clarke previously defeated Billam-Smith in a national amateur championship final 10 years prior.
While Billam-Smith successfully transitioned from the amateur ranks to capture the WBO cruiserweight world title in 2023, Clarke once again bested him when they met in the professional ring. Fight promoter Dana White noted after the event that he felt the referee’s decision to stop the fight in the seventh round might have been premature.
British contenders clash in ten-round London grudge match
Where did the fight take place?
The non-title cruiserweight bout was staged at the Copper Box Arena in London on Saturday, Nov. 7. The venue featured only the lower tier of seats open for fans, with notable figures like heavyweight Johnny Fisher, Traitors star King Kenny, and strongman Eddie Hall watching from ringside.
Were any championship belts on the line?
No belts were at stake in this 10-round encounter. The match served as a grudge fight between two British contenders with a decade-old amateur rivalry.
What other notable fights were on the undercard?
The event’s undercard featured Denzel Bentley facing Shane Mosley Jr. in a 12-round middleweight bout, alongside a light heavyweight matchup between Zach Parker and Umar Dzambekov, and a cruiserweight meeting of Lucas Roehrig and Connal McDonald.
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