Stick up for clocking on a chimp (8)

I believe the answer is:

champion

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'stick up for' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'clocking on a chimp' is the wordplay.
'on a chimp' can be anagrammed to 'CHAMPION'.
But, I'm not clear how the anagram is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for champion that I've seen before include "Winner - advocate" , "Winner; defender" , "Excellent" , "Winner of competition or supporter of cause" , "Finest" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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