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Chris Billam-Smith vs Cheavon Clarke Predictions & Picks - Billam-Smith To Avenge Amateur Losses
- Chris Billam-Smith tipped to win by decision against Cheavon Clarke
- Billam-Smith’s experience and consistent output are expected to be decisive
- Clarke’s previous defeats and Billam-Smith’s recent fights have mostly gone the distance
Chris Billam-Smith (Getty Images)
Chris Billam-Smith vs Cheavon Clarke Predictions & Picks
Chris Billam-Smith is tipped to win this cruiserweight clash on the scorecards, and gain revenge for his defeats to Cheavon Clarke as an amateur.
Billam-Smith will have to be wary of Clarke’s power and speed early on, but his consistent output can help him take advantage of the holes in Clarke’s defence over 10 rounds.
- Chris Billam-Smith has won 22 of his 24 professional fights
- 4 of Chris Billam-Smith’s last 6 fights have gone the distance
- Chris Billam-Smith hasn’t knocked out an opponent since December 2022
- Both of Cheavon Clarke’s career defeats came on points
Chris Billam-Smith Form
Chris Billam-Smith is a former world cruiserweight champion with a professional record of 22-2 (14 KOs).
Billam-Smith entered the professional ranks in September 2017 and won nine straight fights before suffering a split decision loss to Richard Riakporhe in July 2019.
He rebounded quickly though, knocking out Craig Glover in the fifth round of his next fight to claim the Commonwealth title, and in July 2021 he added the British and European titles with a split decision success against Tommy McCarthy.
The 36-year-old Englishman went on to make several successful defences of his European and Commonwealth crowns, before finally earning a world title shot in May 2023.
Billam-Smith took his big opportunity, as he beat Lawrence Okolie by majority decision to claim the WBO cruiserweight crown.
‘The Gentleman’ retained that belt with an eighth-round stoppage of Mateusz Masternak, and then beat Richard Riakporhe via unanimous decision in their rematch.
However, his reign was brought to an end in November 2024 when he dropped a decision to Gilberto Ramirez.
Billam-Smith has responded to that loss with back-to-back wins, out-pointing Brandon Glanton before stopping Robert Rozicki in seven rounds.
Cheavon Clarke Form
Cheavon Clarke has also rebounded from recent losses, taking his record to 12-2 (9 KOs) with back-to-back victories.
Clarke – who beat Billam-Smith in the amateur ranks – turned professional in February 2022 and rattled off eight straight wins to earn a British title fight.
He claimed the domestic cruiserweight crown in May 2024 when he knocked out Ellis Zorro in the eighth round.
The 35-year-old Jamaican, who represented Great Britain as an amateur, followed that up with a majority decision win over Efetober Apochi.
However, Clarke’s career stalled after that as he lost via split decision to Leonardo Mosquera, and by unanimous decision to Viddal Riley.
He has got back on track over the past 12 months though, following up a fourth-round stoppage of Anthony Hollaway with a seventh-round knockout of Jack Massey.
Verdict
Cheavon Clarke had Chris Billam-Smith’s number in the amateur ranks, but that is unlikely to matter much in this fight.
Billam-Smith is a former world champion with a significant experience edge as a professional, and we expect him to out-work Clarke over 10 rounds for the decision.
Billam-Smith is a former world champion with a significant experience edge as a professional, and we expect him to out-work Clarke over 10 rounds for the decision.
Leigh Copson
Sports Editor • 25+ Years Experience, US & Combat Sports Specialist
US sports writer covering the NFL, NBA, NHL, boxing and MMA, with previews, predictions and betting tips across the major American leagues.
During his career at the Press Association and online sports sites including FreeTips and ExpertPicks.com, he has covered some of the biggest sporting events on the planet, including the Super Bowl, the Champions League Final and the World Cup Final.
He has also covered almost every major boxing match and UFC fight card during this time.. His specialist sports are American Football, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts and Football.