Clarke Hands Billam-Smith First Stoppage Defeat of His Career

Cheavon Clarke defeated former world champion Chris Billam-Smith at London's Copper Box Arena. Clarke sent his opponent to the canvas for the first time in his career, and after knocking him down twice, the referee stopped the contest.

When Billam-Smith was trapped against the ropes, Clarke's right hands landed one after another. Billam-Smith shook his head in protest, but the referee stopped the fight.

After beating Jack Massey in his last fight, Clarke was looking for a big name. Ten years earlier, he had lost to Billam-Smith in the final of the national amateur championship. This time he settled the score with him personally, strengthening his case for a move up to the top level.