- Chris Billam-Smith (22-2, 14 KOs) faces Cheavon Clarke (12-2, 9 KOs) over 10 rounds at Zuffa Boxing 12 at the Copper Box Arena in London on Saturday 7 November, live on Sky Sports
- Denzel Bentley meets Shane Mosley Jr over 10 rounds at middleweight in the co-feature
- My view: Billam-Smith wins a hard decision, and Bentley stops Mosley Jr late
Fight Night Is Here
Right then. Zuffa Boxing 12 takes over the Copper Box Arena in London tomorrow night, and the main event is Chris Billam-Smith against Cheavon Clarke over 10 rounds at cruiserweight. I have already previewed the amateur grudge behind this one, so here is what you need for the night itself.
In the UK, the main card is on Sky Sports and streams on NOW, with the preliminary bouts on Sky's digital platforms from 5pm. The main card starts at 7pm, and the Billam-Smith vs Clarke ring walks are expected around 10pm, although that will move depending on how the earlier fights go. In the US it is on Paramount+.
Billam-Smith vs Clarke: How It Plays Out
Billam-Smith is 22-2 with 14 knockouts and a former WBO cruiserweight champion. Clarke is 12-2 with nine knockouts and has never been stopped. Clarke beat Billam-Smith in the amateurs, and for a man that proud, that does not go away.
Why Billam-Smith Wins
Billam-Smith wore down his last opponent until he did not come out for the eighth round. That is the template: jab, work rate, body, and a slow grind. Clarke was dropped twice in a round in his last fight and had to dig out a win, so he is hittable. The more complete professional gets this done, and I stick with my pick of a points win for Billam-Smith.
The Danger
Clarke is no mug, and nine knockouts in 12 wins shows it. If Billam-Smith gets emotional about the amateur loss and starts trading, Clarke's counters could change the night. Keep an eye on the first four rounds.
Bentley vs Mosley Jr
The co-feature is Denzel Bentley against Shane Mosley Jr over 10 rounds at middleweight. Bentley is the pressure fighter who works the body and wears people down, and 18 of his 22 wins have come inside the distance. Mosley Jr is a better fighter than his critics say, but against a man who walks forward all night he will tire. Bentley stops him in the late rounds. Let's not beat around the bush, that is the call.
Before you settle in, read my guide to how to juggle this card with Buatsi vs Hutchinson 2 in Manchester.