Chris Billam-Smith Warns Cheavon Clarke He Will Not Let Him Off The Hook If Hurt

Referencing Clarke's previous bout where he had to climb off the canvas twice, Billam-Smith insisted he possesses the power to eliminate any cruiserweight who gets hurt.

The former world champion made his predatory intentions crystal clear ahead of Saturday night's headline clash in London.

Both men are scheduled to top the bill at Zuffa Boxing 12 at the Copper Box Arena, live on Sky Sports.

The domestic cruiserweight showdown carries immense personal baggage that dates back a decade.

Tensions escalated dramatically during their live face-off interview when Clarke refused to shake Billam-Smith's outstretched hand.

The deliberate snub added instant bad blood to an already volatile encounter.

NO MERCY ON THE CANVAS

Billam-Smith has closely studied Clarke's recent rise through the professional ranks.

Clarke produced an unforgettable display in his last ring outing against former champion Jack Massey.

During that fight, Clarke was knocked to the canvas on two separate occasions.

Clarke showed tremendous heart, climbing off the floor both times to battle back and secure a dramatic stoppage victory over Massey.

While fans and pundits praised Clarke's courage, Billam-Smith took a far more ruthless view of the contest.

The former world titleholder is convinced that Clarke would not survive those same moments of vulnerability against him.

"If I had Chev hurt I believe I can get rid of him," Billam-Smith said.

Billam-Smith believes his finishing instincts and physical power at cruiserweight are second to none.

"I believe I can hurt any cruiserweight in the world and I can get rid of any cruiserweight in the world," Billam-Smith declared.

Clarke, however, remains completely undaunted by the former champion's warnings.

"I'm Cheavon Clarke, you can't ever count me out," Clarke warned in response.

A TEN YEAR AMATEUR GRUDGE

The animosity between the two British fighters is rooted in a pivotal amateur meeting a decade ago.

Clarke and Billam-Smith clashed in the final of the 2016 elite amateur championships.

Clarke earned the decision victory that day, leaving Billam-Smith with a painful domestic defeat.

That single amateur result had enormous consequences for both of their athletic careers.

Following the final, both boxers attended an assessment for the prestigious GB Boxing squad.

With only limited places available on the elite squad, Clarke was selected for the international team.

Clarke subsequently used that platform to qualify for and compete at the Olympic Games.

Billam-Smith was forced to find an alternative route to the professional ranks after missing out on that Olympic journey.

Clarke rejected any notion that he unfairly took an opportunity away from his rival.

"I never stole his place," Clarke insisted during their face-to-face exchange.

"We fought, I won on the day and we both had the opportunity," Clarke said.

Clarke viewed their eventual professional collision as an inevitable step in both of their careers.

"Of course, you're going to meet at some point if you're trying to elevate yourself," Clarke explained.

"It's time for us to get it on now," Clarke added.

THE BLESSING IN DISGUISE

Despite the long-standing grudge, Billam-Smith views his 2016 amateur defeat as a defining blessing in disguise.

The Bournemouth fighter believes that losing to Clarke ultimately shaped him into a world champion.

Missing out on the GB squad led Billam-Smith directly into the gym of elite trainer Shane McGuigan.

"I probably never would have ended up training with Shane," Billam-Smith reflected.

"Shane is genuinely the only coach out there that would have got the best out of me," Billam-Smith said.

Under McGuigan's expert guidance, Billam-Smith steadily climbed the professional cruiserweight ladder.

He achieved his ultimate dream in 2023 by defeating Lawrence Okolie in a thrilling world title upset.

That victory secured Billam-Smith the WBO world cruiserweight championship.

Now operating as an established former world champion, Billam-Smith wants to settle the old amateur score once and for all.

COLD TENSION AT THE COPPER BOX

The unresolved tension between the two fighters was obvious the moment they sat down for their pre-fight interviews.