Clarke Stops Billam-Smith in Seventh Round

Cheavon Clarke stopped former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith in the seventh round at London’s Copper Box Arena on November 7, ending their 10-round bout after two knockdowns and a referee intervention.

Clarke’s right hand sent Billam-Smith to the canvas for the first time in his professional career. Billam-Smith rose, but Clarke pressed the attack and knocked him down again. The referee stepped in after Billam-Smith got back to his feet, ending the contest. Two fight accounts describe two knockdowns; another gives a different sequence and implies three, so the precise count is disputed.

The stoppage gave Clarke a victory over a former world champion and his most significant professional win, according to one ringside report. Clarke had beaten Billam-Smith twice as an amateur, including in the 2016 national championship final. Their professional meeting was the scheduled main event of Zuffa Boxing 12.

Clarke said after the bout that he was open to facing challengers. Billam-Smith said he felt he had been winning and wanted a rematch. He also said Clarke had landed a good punch and that he had been affected by it. The remarks were reported after the fight; no...