Olympian and undefeated British cruiserweight prospect Cheavon Clarke believes he can work his approach to the highest of the division.
Clarke is now 7-0 and has gone the 10-round distance twice in addition to scoring spectacular stoppage victories.
“2023 was a good year, some good fights against quality opponents coming through unscathed, showed glimpses of my class. Now I’m looking to push on,” Clarke advised Sky Sports activities.
In 2024 it appears Clarke’s New Yr’s decision is to get his first crack at a world title in opposition to Chris Billam-Smith, a former newbie opponent of his.
“[Billam-Smith] has always worked hard,” Clarke stated. “We fought one another twice and we trialled for GB Boxing collectively. I went forward and he went professional.
“I’m sure one day soon we will bump heads,” he continued.
“I’ve only had seven fights. Could I become a world champion in 10? There’s not a lot of people that’s done that so I could be in a small club.”
Clarke beat Billam-Smith within the last of the nationwide newbie championships. However reigning WBO champion Billam-Smith has much more skilled expertise and respect between the pair is obvious given their shared historical past.
“He was struggling [against Mateusz Masternak] and he was losing but it’s 12 rounds and at the end of the day he came through, he has a habit of coming through, fair play to him and congratulations,” Clarke famous.
Clarke, who containers on Saturday in opposition to Tommy McCarthy, is adamant that he already belongs within the combine with the highest British cruiserweights.
“Definitely top five, there’s a few guys ahead of me because they’ve been pro longer than me but in terms of quality and skills, it’s just a matter of time until you see my name at the top of that list,” he stated.
“I’ll be knocking around the world scene.”
Isaac Chamberlain holds the British title after defeating Mikael Lawal in dominant trend final October. He’s now obligatory challenger for Michal Cieslak’s European title and so won’t make a right away defence of the British.
Chamberlain nevertheless continues to be a near-term goal for Clarke and that may be a combat he is calling for.
“Isaac has waited a long time to get his hands on that British Cheavon Clarke takes aim at future Chris Billam-Smith world title clash: ‘We will bump heads one day’ | Boxing News so I understand he wants to keep it. It’s a business and you want to make as much money as you can,” Clarke stated.
However he added: “Now, it’s my time.
“It’s going to be nice for British boxing, I do not assume they’ve ever had a cruiserweight division with a lot competitors and now that he’s the British champion and I am on the up, let’s give the individuals what they need.
“Let’s make the fight happen, he’s a fighter, it’s what we’re meant to do, the best versus the best, and may the best man win.”