Clarke snubs Billam-Smith ahead of grudge fight

Cheavon Clarke has refused to shake Chris Billam-Smith's hand during a tense face-off ahead of their highly anticipated cruiserweight clash at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday.

The two British fighters will headline Zuffa Boxing 12 in London, renewing a rivalry that dates back to their amateur careers. Clarke defeated Billam-Smith in the 2016 national championships final, a result that still motivates the former world champion.

During their latest meeting, Billam-Smith offered his opponent a handshake, but Clarke declined. The pair eventually exchanged a fist bump before engaging in an intense staredown.

Clarke insists he has no regrets about their amateur rivalry and rejected suggestions that he took anything away from his opponent.

"I never stole his place. We fought, I won on the day and we both had the opportunity," he said.

Billam-Smith, who went on to win the WBO cruiserweight world title in 2023, believes the upcoming fight represents an opportunity to settle unfinished business. He is also confident in his ability to stop Clarke if he gets him hurt.

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

Clarke, however, remains confident ahead of the showdown, responding: "I'm Cheavon Clarke, you can't ever count me out."

Both fighters are coming off impressive victories. Billam-Smith defeated Ryan Rozicki, while Clarke recovered from two knockdowns to stop Jack Massey. Their latest comments suggest there will be plenty of tension when they finally meet in the ring on Saturday, November 7th.