Jack Massey issues warning to Cheavon Clarke ahead of cruiserweight and wants Chris Billam-Smith winner next | Debate News
Jack Massey insists he will beat Cheavon Clarke ‘on all levels’ in Saturday’s cruiserweight fight and is determined to face Chris Billiam-Smith’s hometown winner in Bournemouth.
Former world champion Massey has returned to the cruiserweight division against Olympian Clarke at the Bournemouth International Centre, live on Sky Sportsahead of Billam-Smith’s fight with Ryan Rozicki on the same Zuffa Boxing card.
Massey has previously beaten Billam-Smith at amateur level and would relish the opportunity to do so again at the professional level, although ‘One Smack’ wants to let his experience speak for himself against Clarke.
“That’s right [against Clarke] it’s going to be a tough fight, I think I’m a better player than him and I have more experience than him,” Massey. he told Sky Sports. “I have had many fights. I have been in this game for a long time.
“I’ve been a professional fighter for 13 years, I’ve been in big fights, I’ve moved up to heavyweight and big fights, and I’ve fought world champions and former world champions.
“I think I’m going to introduce him to every level.”
As for who he would like to face next, Massey also said: “We will look at the winner of the main event. [Billiam-Smith vs Rozicki]. We will see what happens. It doesn’t matter who won.”
Why the Massey conflict is ‘make or break’ for Clarke
Massey has made just one appearance since his loss to Jai Opetaia in October 2024, defeating Ivan Gabriel Garcia last November, although he has been working with popular trainer Joe Gallagher ahead of the impressive new opportunity.
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Jai Opetaia showed off his brutal combinations as he punished Jack Massey and forced a sixth round stoppage.
“We’ve been in the gym, waiting for the fight,” Massey admitted. “We were helping Frazer Clarke prepare for his fight when he fought Justis Huni, so in a good place, sparring.
“Everything was there and then we got the call, the weight was going well, the intensity was good, the sparring, the ring craft was good, so it was a good time.
“That’s right [having Gallagher] great, great. Joe is an excellent host. He just knows everything about everything in boxing and his instruction is top notch.
Jack Massey (pictured) takes on Cheavon Clarke on Saturday, live on Sky Sports
“It’s been great training with Joe. I’m just learning from him. I’ve been boxing for 20 years and I’m still learning things from Joe and little things you didn’t think you’d know”.
Clarke, meanwhile, lost the British cruiserweight title to Viddal Riley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last April, his only fight since seeing off Anthony Hollaway by fourth-round TKO in December.
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Viddal Riley showed his class when he knocked out Cheavon Clarke and took ownership of the Lonsdale belt
“He [Clarke] he’s obviously coming to win, added Massey. “I think it’s his formation or separation.
“For both of us, it’s time to shine and show everyone who knows what we’re about, so it’s going to be a great fight.”
Watch Jack Massey vs Cheavon Clarke this Saturday before Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki, live Sky Sports, premiering at 5pm before the live action on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event from 7pm.. Get Sky Sports or broadcast boxing without a contract.
