The 10-round fight will headline Zuffa 12 at London’s Copper Box Arena.

Billam-Smith (22-2, 14 KOs), the former WBO cruiserweight champion, has wrung every bit of potential from his career with tactical nous and sheer grit. Clarke (12-2, 9 KOs) has had few easy fights since turning professional after boxing at the delayed 2020 Olympic Games, but people often overlook his heart and determination.

There have been ups—a dominant run to the British title and a dramatic stoppage of former world title challenger Jack Massey—and downs— including a disappointing loss to Viddal Riley and a split-decision defeat to the excellent Frenchman Leonard Mosquea. 

But Clarke has never shied away from a fight. 

“I appreciate that because I feel like on the British scene or generally on the boxing scene, whenever Chev's name is mentioned, it's like, ‘Oh, Chev’s had a walk in the park’ because I went to the Olympics and boxed for Great Britain,” Clarke told The Ring.

“When I came into the game, Matchroom chucked me straight in the deep end. I boxed in America. I boxed tough guys. The Vasil Ducar fight. The fight before that against Israel Dufus. Efetobor Apochi was tough.”

Clarke’s style lends itself to excitement, though it means putting him in harm’s way, and on June 6, he had to get up twice before stopping Massey in the 7th round.

The 35-year-old won’t change his approach now. He knows a win over Billam-Smith will put him on the verge of fighting for a world cruiserweight title. 

Clarke won’t have to force Billam-Smith to go to the well one more time — the Bournemouth man will make his own way there — but he will happily meet him there.

“At the end of the day, listen, people can say what they want, but with Chev Clark, the evidence is there,” he said.

“I don't talk a lot, but when I turn up, you know it's going to be entertaining, and you know you're getting every penny you paid for. There's never been a selected fight in my career.”