Chris Billam-Smith suffered his first career stoppage defeat on Saturday at London’s Copper Box Arena. Cheavon Clarke stopped the former WBO cruiserweight world champion in the seventh round. Clarke landed a powerful right hand to drop Billam-Smith early in the round. The Bournemouth fighter beat the count, but Clarke knocked him down again moments later. Referee Lee Every halted the contest.
The result solidifies Clarke’s status as a top contender in the cruiserweight division. This loss marks the third professional defeat for Billam-Smith. He previously lost to Gilberto Ramirez in 2024 and Richard Riakporhe in 2019. Fight promoter Dana White commented afterward that he felt the decision to stop the fight might have been a little premature.
Clarke Dominates the Seventh Round
The fight began with a cautious start. Both men used frequent clinching and body shots to feel each other out.
Clarke used his speed and agility to find a rhythm in the second and third rounds. He landed clean shots, including an overhand right and an uppercut that snapped Billam-Smith’s head back. Billam-Smith used his size to pressure forward. Clarke’s sharper punching proved more effective.
Clarke’s dominance grew in the fifth round. He landed a couple of right hands early and a jab late in the frame. Billam-Smith mounted a brief resurgence in the sixth round. He landed heavy hooks to the body and head, but Clarke responded with another overhand right. This signaled the turning point.
The seventh round began with a big right hand from Clarke. This shot sent Billam-Smith to the canvas for the first time in his professional career. Billam-Smith looked unsteady despite beating the eight count. Clarke immediately attacked and dropped him again with a barrage of punches. The referee intervened at 1:24 of the round. Billam-Smith expressed frustration with the stoppage.
Clarke Extends Amateur Rivalry
Clarke has now defeated Billam-Smith three times. This extends a rivalry that began during their amateur days. Clarke beat Billam-Smith in a national amateur championship final 10 years ago.
A sparse crowd watched the fight at the Copper Box Arena. Only the lower tier of seats was open for fans.
Both fighters traded thudding body shots and engaged in frequent clinches. Billam-Smith wore all black and marched forward. The smaller Clarke wore all white and used speed to bounce in and out of range.
Billam-Smith improved in the second round by closing the distance. He landed heavier punches after a scrappy first round where Clarke winged shots over. The fourth round was tough to call. Billam-Smith looked to find his range and landed a good right hand. The Gravesend fighter, Billam-Smith, connected with a right hand in the closing stages of the round.
Contenders Watch the Cruiserweight Division
The cruiserweight division is competitive. Johnny Fisher, Traitors star King Kenny and strongman Eddie Hall all watched from ringside.
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