Clarke Rejects Billam-Smith Handshake Ahead of Zuffa Boxing 12 Headline Bout
Cheavon Clarke rejected Chris Billam-Smith’s handshake offer at their live face-off ahead of Saturday’s Zuffa Boxing 12 headline bout at the Copper Box Arena in London. The two cruiserweights, who have a history dating back to a 2016 amateur final, stared each other out for a protracted period during the pre-fight interview. Billam-Smith, the former world champion, has stated he has a score to settle with Clarke following a painful amateur defeat a decade ago.
Clarke eventually allowed a fist bump but remained unwilling to shake hands with his opponent. The tension between the two fighters reflects the rivalry that began when Clarke defeated Billam-Smith in the 2016 elite championships final. Both boxers subsequently underwent assessment for the GB squad, with Clarke progressing to the international team and the Olympic Games.
Clarke addressed the past directly, insisting he did not steal Billam-Smith’s place on the team. “I never stole his place. We fought, I won on the day and we both had the opportunity,” Clarke said.
He acknowledged that their paths were destined to cross again as they sought to elevate their professional careers.
“Of course, you’re going to meet at some point if you’re trying to elevate yourself,” Clarke added. The upcoming bout serves as the headline event for Zuffa Boxing 12, taking place this weekend in London. The fight is set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports, drawing significant attention to the cruiserweight division.
Billam-Smith, who won the WBO world title in 2023 by upsetting Lawrence Okolie, believes his amateur loss was pivotal. He suggests he might never have become a world champion if he had not lost that specific bout to Clarke. “I probably never would have ended up training with Shane [McGuigan],” Billam-Smith said.
Billam-Smith praised his coach, stating that McGuigan is the only trainer who could extract his best performance. “Shane is genuinely the only coach out there that would have got the best out of me,” Billam-Smith explained. This perspective highlights how a past defeat can shape a boxer’s long-term professional trajectory and success.
Clarke impressed in his most recent contest, rising from the canvas twice to stop Jack Massey. Despite this resilience, Billam-Smith remains confident in his ability to finish the fight if he lands a significant hit. “If I had Chev hurt I believe I can get rid of him,” Billam-Smith asserted during the face-off.
The former champion expressed absolute confidence in his power and ability to dominate the cruiserweight division. “I believe I can hurt any cruiserweight in the world and I can get rid of any cruiserweight in the world,” Billam-Smith declared. His comments underscore the high stakes and personal animosity driving the upcoming Saturday night showdown.
Clarke issued a stern warning to his opponent, refusing to be underestimated despite the historical context. “I’m Cheavon Clarke, you can’t ever count me out,” Clarke stated firmly. The face-off concluded with both fighters maintaining intense eye contact, setting the tone for a highly anticipated professional encounter.
The event also features Denzel Bentley meeting Shane Mosley Jr, with Da’Mazion Vanhouter and Sam Hickey also in action. Fans can watch Zuffa Boxing 12 live on Sky Sports this Saturday. The broadcast will cover the full card, culminating in the main event between the two rival cruiserweights.
