The British cruiserweight division is set for a dramatic showdown as former world champion Chris Billam-Smith prepares to go to war against former British champion Cheavon Clarke. Scheduled for Saturday, November 7, live on Sky Sports, the high-stakes clash headlines Zuffa Boxing 12 at London’s Copper Box Arena.
Both combatants enter the ring riding momentum from thrilling, grueling victories in their last outings. Beyond world title ambitions and divisional standings, this fight carries a deeply personal undertone, giving Billam-Smith a chance to settle an amateur score that has lingered for nearly a decade.
A Long-Awaited Revenge Mission
While both men have carved out distinct paths in the professional ranks, their shared history dates back to 2016. In the final of the National Elite Championships, Clarke, hailing from Gravesend, handed Billam-Smith a painful defeat on the amateur circuit. That loss left a lasting impression on Billam-Smith, who has watched Clarke’s rapid ascent in the professional ranks while establishing his own world-title credentials.
The two fighters are also well-acquainted behind closed doors, having shared numerous rounds of hard sparring over the years. That familiarity adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already volatile matchup. Billam-Smith, aiming to climb back to the top of the cruiserweight division after relinquishing his world championship title, views this fight not only as a necessary step toward another world title shot, but as an opportunity for personal redemption.
Coming Off Classics: How They Got Here
Both fighters enter this London showdown following remarkable, heart-stopping performances that highlighted their grit and punching power.
Billam-Smith’s last ring appearance in June was a brutal battle against the relentless Ryan Rozicki. In a fight characterized by relentless exchanges and punishing inside work, Billam-Smith displayed his trademark durability and tactical composure. Rozicki pushed the former champion to his limits, but Billam-Smith’s continuous pressure and precise punch selection ultimately proved overwhelming. Rozicki was pulled out of the fight after the seventh round of what was widely praised as an instant classic.
Clarke’s path to this night was equally dramatic. Appearing on the same card as Billam-Smith, Clarke faced former European champion and previous world title challenger Jack Massey in a high-risk contest. The bout turned explosive in the fourth round when Clarke was knocked down twice, leaving him on the brink of defeat. Showing immense heart and recovery ability, Clarke weathered the storm, regained his composure, and turned the fight around in spectacular fashion. By the seventh round, Clarke landed decisive power shots to stop Massey, capping off a wild comeback and cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the division.
Fight Date, Venue, and Broadcast Details
When is Billam-Smith vs Clarke?
The cruiserweight battle between Chris Billam-Smith and Cheavon Clarke will take place on Saturday, November 7.
Where is the Billam-Smith vs Clarke fight?
The event will be staged at the Copper Box Arena in London, serving as the featured main event for Zuffa Boxing 12.
How to Watch
- Main Broadcast: Live coverage of the main card begins at 7:00 PM GMT on Sky Sports.
- Preliminary Bouts: Early action will be streamed live across Sky Sports’ digital platforms starting at 5:00 PM GMT.
- Tickets: General admission tickets for Zuffa Boxing 12 at the Copper Box Arena are available via Ticketmaster.
Tale of the Tape: Comparing the Records
Chris Billam-Smith
- Professional Record: 22-2 (14 KOs)
- Status: Former World Champion
- Key Victories: Lawrence Okolie, Brandon Glanton, Ryan Rozicki, Richard Riakporhe
- Career Summary: Billam-Smith has established himself as one of the most proven cruiserweights in the world. His only two professional defeats came against top-tier opposition: Richard Riakporhe—a loss Billam-Smith later avenged in a memorable title defense—and WBA world champion Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez. Known for his engine, physical strength, and tactical resilience, Billam-Smith has consistently fought top-level competition throughout his career.
Cheavon Clarke
- Professional Record: 12-2 (9 KOs)
- Status: Former British Champion & European Title Challenger
- Key Victories: Jack Massey
- Career Summary: Clarke’s transition from the amateur ranks to the professional game has been fast-tracked. The explosive fighter raced to the British cruiserweight title in just nine professional fights. Possessing explosive hand speed, KO power in both hands, and remarkable recovery skills, Clarke has quickly elevated himself into world-level contention. His recent victory over Massey proved he can withstand adversity and finish top-caliber opponents.
What They Say: Inside the Mindsets
Both fighters have expressed mutual respect for each other’s abilities, while remaining confident in their own paths to victory.
Chris Billam-Smith reflected on Clarke’s threats and their history together:
"He still carries his power, is fast, got power in all his shots.
"Cheavon isn’t as intense as Rozicki – I’m not sure that anyone is – in terms of the way he fights. But he carries much more speed, which adds more danger.
"He puts his shots together well, so that makes him threatening for sure.
"I’ve sparred him as well. He’s no mug. He knows what he’s doing in there, he’s always super-fit. He’s been hurt in the past, he comes back, looks the part. Never been stopped, he might have been dropped but never been stopped.
"It’s a hard night’s work, I’ve got to be 100 per cent for it."
Cheavon Clarke offered a confident response, emphasizing his belief in his natural ability:
"The bull’s always driven – but they get tamed. He’ll come out with his tactics and everyone has a plan until they get in the ring. On the night we’ll see.
"He’s a former world champion so you have to give credit where it’s due. But regardless I know what my ability is, I’ve been given a gift. It’s wrong for me not to fulfill that gift. So come November 7 we will see."
What’s on the Undercard
The Zuffa Boxing 12 card features an exciting lineup of domestic rivalries, world-class matchups, and top prospects.
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Denzel Bentley vs. Shane Mosley Jr.
In the middleweight co-main event, London’s own Denzel Bentley meets American contender Shane Mosley Jr., son of hall-of-famer Shane Mosley, in a high-stakes 160-lb contest with world ranking implications. -
Da’Mazion Vanhouter vs. Ivan Balaz
American heavyweight power-puncher Da’Mazion Vanhouter returns to action against Ivan Balaz. Vanhouter made waves in September on the Garcia vs. Benn undercard with a explosive first-round knockout of Raphael Akpejiori. -
Sam Hickey vs. Amaury Massenaux
Highly touted Scottish middleweight phenom Sam Hickey looks to continue his quick rise as he steps up against France’s Amaury Massenaux. -
Lucas Roehrig vs. Connal McDonald
In an eight-round cruiserweight bout, fast-rising prospect Lucas Roehrig faces a stern test against Scottish champion Connal McDonald. -
Kayla Allen vs. Julia Igel
Prospect Kayla Allen returns for her second professional bout, facing off against Julia Igel in a female division matchup.
Streamed Digital Prelims (From 5:00 PM GMT)
- Zach Parker vs. Umar Dzambekov: British light-heavyweight contender Zach Parker tests his skill against unbeaten power-puncher Umar Dzambekov.
- Masood Abdulah vs. Adan Palma: Featiring featherweight action as Masood Abdulah squares off against 14-1 American contender Adan Palma.
- Vinnie "King of Violence" Kemp: The fan-favorite prospect makes his official professional boxing debut.
