Billam-Smith stopped as Clarke repeats amateur win

Former cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith is knocked down and stopped for the first time in his professional career as Chev Clarke wins their non-title bout.

Chev Clarke (left) had previously beaten Chris Billam-Smith in a three-round amateur contest

Londoner Clarke landed a big right hand at the start of the seventh round and although Billam-Smith beat the count, he was down again moments later after a barrage of punches.

The contest was allowed to continue but the Bournemouth fighter looked unsteady on his legs and when Clarke connected with two more blows, the referee stepped in.

Billam-Smith immediately protested against the decision, while Clarke stood in the middle of the ring shrugging his shoulders.

Clarke moves to 13 wins with two defeats and inflicts the third professional defeat for Billam-Smith who also lost to Gilberto Ramirez in 2024 and Richard Riakporhe in 2019.

"I do what champions do," said Clarke, who also beat Billam-Smith when they met in the amateur ranks a decade ago.

Source: BBC Sport