After Saturday’s TKO Victory Over Chris Billam-Smith, What’s Next For Chev Clarke?

What is next for Chev Clarke? He’s got the biggest win of his career, knocking out Chris Billam-Smith in the seventh round on Saturday at the Copper Box Arena in London, England.

Clarke (13-2, 10 KOs) entered as seemingly a cursed fighter. Two losses and in his mid-30s. He was a great amateur, but many overlooked him when facing Chris Billam-Smith despite holding amateur wins over CBS. Now, the tables have turned, and Clarke has a notable win and leverage moving forward.

So who could Clarke face next?

Jai Opetaia 

Who knows what’s next for Opetaia? He is set to return next month against Deontay Wilder at heavyweight. We want to see him fight David Benavidez, but Oleksandr Usyk’s return to cruiserweight has also been floated. Opetaia is signed to Zuffa and is a big name. He also needs opponents. Inevitably, Opetaia should face Clarke at some point, but it won’t be next.

Viddal Riley

One of the better cruiserweights of this era. Riley beat Clarke in what was regarded as an upset. Now, Clarke is getting back into position to merit a rematch, one that might be a lot more interesting than the first fight. Riley fights this month. With a win, could that fight be revisited?

Robin Safar

Safar makes for an interesting bout, as he is a bigger puncher in the weight class and is also European. Safar has trained in the U.S. for most of his career, but a fight in the U.K. could see his fans from back home travel to the fight.

Lenar Perez

A Cuban cruiserweight with some hype, but he hasn’t lived up to his potential just yet. It would make for an interesting bout and make some sense of a very top-heavy division.

Lucas Ketelle

Lucas Ketelle is a boxing writer and podcaster who has appeared on various platforms throughout his career.

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