Chev Clarke TKO7 Chris Billam-Smith... The Zuffa Boxing 12 main event at Copper Box Arena in London saw a career-changing victory for Chev “C4” Clarke, who rang up a stunning seventh-round TKO of ex-cruiserweight champ Chris Billam-Smith. After six rounds, the fight was even on two official scorecards. Then in round sevem, Clarke sent “CBS” to the canvas twice – the only times Billam-Smith had been dropped in his career – as he claimed the biggest victory of his professional career. The bout started off with both men landing heavy shots early, with Billam-Smith pushing forward, ripping heavy shots to the body, while Clarke looked to counter upstairs with heavy punches over the top. It set the scene for a tough, gritty encounter that eventually saw Clarke close the show with his fight-altering punch power.

 

Throughout the contest, Clarke looked to have the faster hands, but Billam-Smith’s relentless forward pressure and heavier punches, particularly to the body, ensured he kept on scoring from round to round. However, the first warning shot came early in the fifth round, as a huge shot from Clarke early in the round forced Billam-Smith to hold on. That power would show itself again two rounds later in round seven, and it proved decisive as a massive right hand from Clarke sent Billam-Smith to the canvas for the first time in his career. “CBS” took an eight-count, but looked far from steady after returning to his feet. Then another barrage of shots sent Billam-Smith spinning into the ropes, and down to the mat again. Billam-Smith battled back to his feet again, but the end was near, and Clarke poured on the pressure to hurt his man again and force the referee to step in and wave off the contest at the 1:24 mark.