Cheavon Clarke vs. Ellis Zorro: Live round-by-round updates

Cheavon Clarke and Ellis Zorro will throw down inside the First Direct Arena in an underrated matchup for the British cruiserweight title.

Later today (May 25), Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall are scheduled to meet for a non-title rematch at 140 pounds. The super lightweights overcame two postponements in the past to settle the controversial split decision from their first fight in February 2022, which led to Taylor retaining his undisputed world title.

Before Taylor vs. Catterall, Clarke and Zorro are featured in the co-main event, with the vacant British cruiserweight strap up for grabs.

Zorro started his professional boxing career with 17 consecutive wins, including seven by knockout. Unfortunately for the 31-year-old, he suffered a setback in his last ring appearance, as Jai Opetaia knocked him out in Round 1.

Meanwhile, Clarke has maintained his undefeated record. At 33 years old, 'C4' has won eight professional fights, with six ending inside the distance. The cruiserweight last fought on Jan. 27, knocking out Tommy McCarthy in Round 4.

Follow along with Sportskeeda for round-by-round updates of the British cruiserweight title bout.

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Cheavon Clarke vs. Ellis Zorro

Round 1:

Cheavon Clarke vs. Ellis Zorro is underway. Clarke comes out firing and finds himself quickly tied up with Zorro. Clarke explodes forward and looks to throw Zorro off his game early. Zorro is trying to push his opponent back with his jab.

Clarke and Zorro are tied up again. Clarke is looking to land straight punches to the body, potentially setting something up to the head. Zorro wraps up Clarke and seems to be settling into the fight at the end of the round.

Round 2:

Clarke seems committed to damaging Zorro's body with several more straight punches. Clarke and Zorro are engaging in somewhat awkward exchanges due to the contrast in style, leading to them getting tied up often.

Zorro catches Clarke with a clean uppercut. Clarke lands a right hand over the top and temporarily throws Zorro off his game. Zorro lands another counterpunch when Clarke was moving forward.

Zorro is starting to find success by catching Clarke on the way in.

Round 3:

The live betting odds have Clarke as a massive favorite. Zorro is doing better than those odds say as he's draining Clarke while he moves forward and frustrating him with the jab. Clarke seems to be slowing down.

Zorro misses on a massive uppercut. Clarke is still throwing punches, but he seems to be struggling and his approach is coming off as awkward. Clarke and Zorro end Round 3 in another clinch.

Round 4:

Clarke re-sparks his approach to straight punches to Zorro's body. Clarke is starting to let his hands go and use his power to start building momentum. Zorro continues to frustrate his opponent with his jab and movement.

Clarke lands a straight right and fails to unload with Zorro on the ropes. Clarke and Zorro are battling in the clinch but nothing significant has landed in the exchange. Zorro is finding success with his jab, but he needs to put more together to ensure he's taking these rounds from Clarke.

Round 5:

Clarke is attempting to use his straight right to the body to control the distance. Zorro is still landing his jab and catching Clarke on his way in. Clarke throws a devastating hook that doesn't find the target. Zorro is putting more power into his punches and slowly increasing the volume.

Clarke misses on two monster hooks. Unfortunately for him, he's not setting up the punches and Zorro is getting out of the way quickly. Clarke seems to be getting frustrated as he's utilizing a lot of energy and not inflicting enough damage.

Round 6:

The live betting odds have been cut in half, with Clarke still a sizeable favorite. Clarke likely winning on the scorecards, but Zorro's game plan is primarily working thus far. This fight has become somewhat stagnant. Zorro isn't throwing enough and Clarke can't find the target to upload his power consistently.

Clarke getting aggressive with forward pressure. Zorro is pushing him back with his jab as they engage in another clinch. Zorro lands a solid right hand, but he needs to put his foot on the gas as Clarke likely stole another round.

Round 7:

Clarke lands a left hook before they meet in the clinch. Zorro seems content with avoiding Clarke's power as he's only throwing one or two punches at a time. Clarke's ring control and added volume have been the story of the fight as Zorro is letting this one slip away.

Clarke is attempting to find success in the dirty boxing department. Zorro lands a few punches to end the round, but it probably wasn't enough for the scorecards. Zorro needs to pick up his pace because Clarke is adding up rounds.

Round 8:

The fighters are getting comfortable battling in close range while leaning against each other. Clarke is trying to make something happen with his straight punches and inside work. Zorro isn't absorbing too much damage, but the referee is starting to get frustrated with the inactivity.

Clarke is looking good in close. Clarke catches Zorro and starts tracking him down. Clarke finally finds the overhand right and lands a left hook to drop Zorro. Zorro can't beat the 10-count and this one is all over.

Watch Cheavon Clarke knock out Ellis Zorro below:

Official Decision: Cheavon Clarke def. Ellis Zorro by knockout (Round 8, 2:59)

Clarke becomes the new British cruiserweight champion.