Cheavon Clarke and Chris Billam-Smith are set to reignite their rivalry in a highly anticipated all-British cruiserweight bout at the Copper Box Arena on November 7. This matchup will headline Zuffa Boxing 12, broadcast live on Sky Sports.

The backdrop to this professional encounter is their shared history in the amateur ranks, where Clarke defeated Billam-Smith in the final of the 2016 national elite amateur championships. Billam-Smith has expressed that this loss denied him a chance to join the Team GB boxing squad. Despite this past, Clarke remains unfazed, stating, "I haven't got any hook-ups on it. We're professionals now and it's a new era."

Both fighters have since made significant strides in their careers:

• Clarke represented Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics.
• Billam-Smith achieved the pinnacle of success as a former WBO world champion.

Billam-Smith reflected on his amateur defeat, admitting he still feels the sting of that loss a decade ago. He recalled, "At the time I thought I had done enough to win it, but he's the aggressor, he hit me with some good shots." He noted the evolution of his boxing style since then, recognizing the match as a crucial learning curve in his career.

In his last outing, Clarke showcased his resilience, climbing off the canvas twice to stop Jack Massey in June. As he prepares for Billam-Smith, he emphasizes the importance of boxing intelligence over mere toughness, stating, "Boxing is not a game to be tough. It's a smart person's sport." As the fight approaches, both fighters are ready to prove their mettle in the ring.