Former cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith was knocked down and stopped for the first time in his career as Chev Clarke won their all-British non-title fight on Saturday.
Londoner Clarke landed a big right hand early in the seventh round and although Billam-Smith beat the count, he was down again moments later after a barrage of punches.
The fight was allowed to continue, but the Bournemouth fighter appeared unsteady on his legs and when Clarke landed two more blows, the referee intervened.
Billam-Smith immediately protested the decision, while Clarke stood in the middle of the ring shrugging her shoulders.
Clarke moves to 13 wins with two losses and inflicts the third professional defeat on 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.
“I’m happy. Arsenal won and I won. My training camp went well and you saw it in the ring. I will accept all players in the future.”
The likes of heavyweight Johnny Fisher, Traitors star King Kenny and strongman Eddie Hall were all spotted watching from ringside in a Copper Box arena that was far from full, with only the lower tier of seats open to fans.
After a slow start to the competition with a lot of holding, Clarke looked the sharper man as he landed some clean shots on the former world champion.
In the second round, the Londoner landed a big forehand right next to Billam-Smith’s head. Clarke also connected in the third round with a big uppercut and an overhand right that snapped Billam-Smith’s head back.
The former world champion, who was struggling to find his rhythm, was caught by another uppercut before Billam-Smith responded with a short right hook that tripped Clarke in his corner.
But in the seventh round, Clarke knocked Billam-Smith down, scoring two quick punches before the referee intervened.
The fight’s promoter, Dana White, said after the fight that he thought the decision to stop the fight might have been a bit premature.
Gn sports
