British cruiserweight boxer Chris Billam-Smith is preparing to face long-time rival Cheavon Clarke in a professional contest, more than a decade after their amateur rivalry took a significant turn at the 2016 national championships.

The pair will headline Zuffa Boxing 12 at London's Copper Box Arena on Saturday, November 7, with their upcoming encounter offering Billam-Smith an opportunity to avenge a defeat that he believes had lasting consequences for his career.

Clarke defeated Billam-Smith in the final of the 2016 national elite amateur championships, denying his opponent the title he had pursued throughout his amateur career.

The three-round contest lasted approximately nine minutes but influenced the professional journeys of both fighters. Clarke's victory helped secure his place in the Great Britain boxing squad, eventually leading to his participation in the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Billam-Smith, meanwhile, missed out on the opportunity to join the national programme and turned professional, initially competing on smaller boxing shows before gradually establishing himself in the sport.

He subsequently won British, Commonwealth and European titles before becoming a world champion in the cruiserweight division.

The Bournemouth-born boxer admitted that the defeat remained difficult to revisit, particularly because he had considered himself the favourite to win the championship.

Clarke also recalled the significance of the victory, saying it had opened the door to opportunities that might otherwise have remained unavailable to him.

Although Billam-Smith acknowledged that Clarke deserved the victory, he said he remained motivated by the prospect of reversing the result.

He explained that his professional fighting style had changed considerably from his amateur days, describing his current approach as more aggressive and front-foot oriented.

Billam-Smith also pointed to his 2024 victory over Richard Riakporhe, whom he had previously lost to, as an example of his determination to avenge defeats.

European cruiserweight champion Viddal Riley, who has faced both boxers at different stages of their careers, said the 2016 result had affected Billam-Smith beyond the immediate disappointment of losing a fight.

Riley explained that Clarke began his professional career with the recognition of an Olympian, while Billam-Smith had to build his reputation through a more difficult route.

He said the amateur defeat had influenced Billam-Smith's career for years, despite the contest lasting only nine minutes.

Clarke, however, has also acknowledged the importance of the upcoming fight, saying he intends to demonstrate his ability and continue progressing in the professional division.

The 35-year-old recently strengthened his reputation with a comeback victory over former European champion Jack Massey, recovering from two knockdowns before stopping his opponent in the seventh round.

Billam-Smith also enters the contest following a victory over Ryan Rozicki in June, setting up an encounter between two fighters seeking to advance their positions in the cruiserweight division.