Billam-Smith Faces Clarke At Zuffa Boxing 12

Chris Billam-Smith will face Cheavon Clarke in the main event of Zuffa Boxing 12 on November 7th at London's Copper Box Arena, Bad Left Hook reports.

Billam-Smith, who lost his WBO cruiserweight title to Gilberto Ramirez earlier this year, returned to form with a June stoppage of Ryan Rozicki. The 36-year-old remains a top player at 200 pounds despite sitting a tier below Jai Opetaia and David Benavidez in the division. Clarke brings a 12-2 record but has absorbed setbacks from Leonardo Mosquea and Viddal Riley during a rushed climb through the rankings. His career appeared finished after Jack Massey dropped him at Zuffa 7, but Clarke rallied for a comeback finish in that bout.

Clarke Holds Amateur Edge Over Billam-Smith

The two Brits fought twice as amateurs, with Clarke taking both decisions. That history adds a domestic rivalry edge to Zuffa's first London card. Clarke's late start as a pro forced him to move quickly, which exposed gaps that derailed his momentum before the Massey win.

The co-feature pairs light heavyweight Zach Parker against unbeaten Umar Dzambekov. Parker arguably deserved the decision against Joshua Buatsi last November, per the Bad Left Hook story, while Dzambekov opened his Zuffa account with a second-round demolition of Ahmed Elbiali.

First bell for the Copper Box show is expected around 2 p.m. ET on November 7th.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — Chris Billam-Smith vs Cheavon Clarke headlines Zuffa Boxing 12 on November 7th