Clarke says he can knock out Billam-Smith

Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke said he could be the first opponent to knock out former world champion Chris Billam-Smith. The two boxers will meet in the main bout of the Zuffa Boxing 12 card at the Copper Box Arena in London.

Billam-Smith has reportedly never been knocked down or stopped in his career. Even so, Clarke is still seen as a serious threat to his opponent, who is known for his durability. Clarke's "C4" nickname comes from his explosive punches.

Clarke said, "I feel inside that I can do it," stating that he has done things to his opponents that no one had done before. He reminded that Billam-Smith hit Ryan Rozicki with everything he had in his last fight, yet his opponent stayed on his feet until the end of the bout.

Clarke also objected to the underdog label placed on him. "You never count anyone out. That's incredibly arrogant or incredibly ignorant. Maybe both," he said. Clarke added that he is already world-class and that this fight will get his name heard by more people.