Ten years after their amateur days, ex-cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith finally gets the chance to settle the score with Cheavon Clarke.
Some grudges take a long time to settle. On Saturday, Chris Billam-Smith gets his chance at one that has been waiting a decade, when he faces Cheavon Clarke at the Copperbox Arena on Zuffa Boxing 12.
The former cruiserweight world champion and Clarke go back to their amateur days. Ten years on, both have moved into the professional ranks, and Billam-Smith sees this fight as a chance to get one over a man he has never forgotten.
For Billam-Smith, the fight is about more than old history. A win over a familiar and dangerous opponent would put him back in the conversation at the top of the division. Having held a world title, he knows what is at stake, and he will want to make a statement.
Clarke will have his own plans. He is not likely to hand over a revenge story without a fight, and the long build-up only adds to the tension. Saturday should be an intense night in London.
