Former cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith was knocked down and stopped for the primary time in his profession as Chev Clarke gained their all-British non-title struggle on Saturday.
Londoner Clarke landed an enormous proper hand at first of the seventh spherical and though Billam-Smith beat the rely, he was down once more moments later after a barrage of punches.
The competition was allowed to proceed however the Bournemouth fighter seemed unsteady on his legs and when Clarke related with two extra blows, the referee stepped in.
Billam-Smith instantly protested in opposition to the choice, whereas Clarke stood in the midst of the ring shrugging his shoulders.
Clarke strikes to 13 wins with two defeats and inflicts the third skilled defeat for Billam-Smith who additionally misplaced to Gilberto Ramirez in 2024 and Richard Riakporhe in 2019.
“I do what champions do,” stated Clarke, who additionally beat Billam-Smith after they met in the beginner ranks a decade in the past.
“I am glad. Arsenal gained and I gained. My coaching camp was good and also you noticed that within the ring. I am going to take all-comers going ahead.”
The likes of heavyweight Johnny Fisher, Traitors star King Kenny and strongman Eddie Corridor had been all noticed watching on from ringside in a Copper Field enviornment that was removed from full, with simply the decrease tier of seats open for followers.
After a sluggish begin to the competition with a lot of holding, Clarke seemed the sharper man as he landed some clear photographs on the previous world champion.
Within the second spherical, the Londoner landed an enormous overhand proper to the facet of Billam-Smith’s head. Clarke additionally related within the third spherical with an enormous uppercut and an overhand proper that snapped again Billam-Smith’s head.
The previous world champion, struggling to search out his rhythm, was caught by one other uppercut earlier than Billam-Smith responded with a brief proper hook that made Clarke stumble again to his nook.
However within the seventh spherical Clarke broke Billam-Smith down, scoring two fast knockdowns earlier than the referee intervened.
Combat promoter Dana White stated after the struggle that he felt the choice to cease the struggle may need been somewhat untimely.