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Billam-Smith stopped as Clarke repeats amateur win
Chev Clarke stopped former cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith in the seventh round of their all-British non-title fight in London. Billam-Smith was knocked down twice, and after he got back to his feet and took further punches, the referee intervened; Billam-Smith protested the stoppage, while promoter Dana White later said it may have come too early.
Clarke’s win repeats his victory over Billam-Smith in an amateur bout a decade ago and gives him 13 professional wins against two defeats. It is the third professional loss for Billam-Smith, who previously lost to Gilberto Ramirez in 2024 and Richard Riakporhe in 2019. On the undercard, Denzel Bentley beat Shane Mosley Jr by unanimous decision, with judges scoring it 96-94, 96-93 and 95-94.
In short
- Clarke stopped Billam-Smith in the seventh round.
- Two knockdowns preceded the referee’s intervention.
- Bentley beat Mosley Jr by unanimous decision.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The referee’s priority is to protect a boxer who has been knocked down twice and is taking further punches, and stopping the bout can prevent avoidable injury. The intervention can therefore be defended as a cautious judgement made in the moment, even if Billam-Smith remained on his feet and wanted to continue.
The case against
A referee should also allow a boxer who is standing, responsive and able to defend himself a fair chance to continue, particularly in a significant professional contest. Billam-Smith’s protest and Dana White’s view that the stoppage may have come early support the argument that the referee could have given him more time to show whether he could safely carry on.
Explained simply
Chris Billam-Smith and Chev Clarke are British boxers who compete at cruiserweight, a division for fighters above light-heavyweight and below heavyweight. Billam-Smith has held a world title, while Clarke is seeking to establish himself among the leading professionals.
The pair first met as amateurs, when Clarke won their bout about ten years ago. Their professional records reflect different stages in their careers: this was Clarke’s 13th win and Billam-Smith’s third defeat.
A fight’s result can affect a boxer’s standing and prospects for future bouts, including title opportunities. Their earlier meeting also gives this contest added context, as it links their professional careers to a rivalry that began before they turned professional.