Cheavon Clarke refused a handshake from Chris Billam-Smith during their pre-fight face-off, escalating the narrative ahead of Saturday’s headline bout at the Copper Box Arena. The former world champion extended his hand as a gesture of sportsmanship, but Clarke declined, offering only a brief fist bump before the two stared each other down in a tense standoff. This refusal underscores the deep-seated rivalry between the two fighters, who are set to clash in the main event of Zuffa Boxing 12, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Tensions boil over as elite rivals settle a decade-old amateur score in London
The animosity stems from a pivotal moment in their amateur careers, where Billam-Smith suffered a painful defeat to Clarke in the elite championships final a decade ago. Billam-Smith has publicly stated he has a score to settle, framing this professional encounter as the definitive conclusion to their long-standing feud. By rejecting the handshake, Clarke signals that he views this not merely as a business transaction but as a personal vindication, refusing to grant Billam-Smith the dignity of a traditional greeting before the bell rings.
Beyond the headline clash, the Zuffa Boxing 12 card features a stacked supporting bill designed to showcase elite talent. Denzel Bentley is scheduled to face Shane Mosley Jr., while rising prospects Da’Mazion Vanhouter and Sam Hickey will also take the ring. With the event airing live on Sky Sports, fans can expect a high-octane night of boxing where the psychological warfare between Clarke and Billam-Smith serves as the emotional core, promising a fight defined by intensity and historical weight.
Source: Sky Sports
