Chris Billam-Smith (22-2, 14 KOs) will soon face Cheavon Clarke (12-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round cruiserweight clash.
Their bout headlines a Zuffa Boxing card at the Copper Box Arena in London, England. Fight fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland can catch the action live on Sky Sports. Those in the United States and Canada will be able to do so with Paramount+.
Advertisement
Both men spoke to each other in a face-off interview ahead of their Nov. 7 contest (the event has been billed as Zuffa Boxing 12). Below is some of what they had to say.
“I think that the experience that I have and what I’ve proven and shown over the years will make me come out victorious in this fight,” said Billam-Smith.
“No lingering feelings [from our fight in the amateur ranks]. Younger me wanted to win and that’s all Saturday night’s about. It’s about me doing younger me a favour really. It’s not a fight or anything that would’ve defined me or made anything, but now I get the opportunity like any competitor would. If it was opposite way around, I’m sure [Clarke] would feel exactly the same. He’d want to get a win over me. That’s what it’s about. I’m a competitor through and through and that’s why I need to get this win on Saturday.”
Advertisement
“I got the experience,” said Clarke. “We’ve been there, done it. I’ve faced hard opponents. You can say hard punching opponents. I’ve faced boxers and I’ve come through victorious for the most part. Let’s make it happen.”
“When I was boxing back [in the amateurs], I just went to the boxing gym to get fit for football and I went on a journey of being able to beat [Billam-Smith in the amateurs]. So it wasn’t a moment of ‘I’m a boxing fan and I want to box.’ I just picked up something and just went with it and it just managed to propel me to where it is…Obviously he went a different way [after our fight in the amateurs] and horses for courses he’s done good, won a world title, and it’s time for us to get it on now.”
Prediction courtesy of Ricky Carroll: Billam-Smith is a fearsome opponent for anyone in the cruiserweight division. He’s at his best fighting on the inside, putting his opponents on the back foot and throwing at high volume, with his body punching being the standout. He can be hit, as his most recent fight showed, but his chin is made of granite. The heavy shots he took against Gilberto Ramírez would have knocked out many fighters, but “The Gentleman” kept fighting until the final bell.
Advertisement
When Clarke lets his hands go, he puts his shots together well. He is at his best fighting on the inside, but is comfortable using his jab and controlling the distance. Clarke carries plenty of power and has a huge heart, which he showed against Jack Massey.
Looking at the qualities of both, I can’t see how this fight won’t catch fire. I can see both having their moments, but the volume and granite chin of Billam-Smith will be the deciding factor, with him winning by decision.
For the face-off interview in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Sky Sports Boxing.
Elif Nur Turhan vs. Alycia Baumgardner: Prediction and fight card for Nov. 8
Zuffa Boxing 11: Johnny Fisher vs Michael Pirotton live results update
Joshua Buatsi vs. Willy Hutchinson: Prediction and fight card for Nov. 7
Zuffa Boxing press release
