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Chris Billam-Smith predicts knockout win over Richard Riakporhe in world title fight at Selhurst Park | Boxing News

On: June 11, 2024 By: admin

Chris Billam-Smith says he will stop Richard Riakporhe inside the distance when he defends his WBO cruiserweight world title at Selhurst Park this Saturday.

For much of the build-up, it has been the knockout exploits of Riakporhe to have featured among the chief talking points, but Billam-Smith has issued his own statement of devastating intent in view of spoiling the party at the home of his opponent’s Crystal Palace.

“I see me getting the job done inside the distance 100 per cent,” said Billam-Smith.

“I think it is too big a step for him. His last fight was in a small arena, he hasn’t headlined in a while so it’s a massive step, the levels in ability is a huge step as well.”

Riakporhe isn’t buying it.

“I don’t believe him, he’s never said that until now,” said the challenger.

“They all say that, it always turns out to be the wrong prediction.

“I believe I’ll knock this guy out.”

Billam-Smith wrestled the WBO belt away from Lawrence Okolie to become world champion in Bournemouth last year, but does not believe he enters this weekend’s clash as favourite.

Not that he minds.

“Absolutely, I think I’ll be underdog again, it’s never affected me, I love being the underdog, I just focus on me and do what I’ve got to do,” said Billam-Smith.

“I think there’s much more motivation this fight for me, the venue being away is added motivation. I’m pleased it’s here, I’d prefer it’s here than the Vitality, this is a new dream, another Premier League stadium.

“I wanted to play in the Premier League, but that was never the route, here I am fighting in their stadiums instead.”

The British rivals have been in disagreement this week over who gets access to the home dressing room on Saturday, Riakporhe believing it should belong to him as the Palace fan and having played a key role in bringing the fight to Selhurst Park.

But as champion, Billam-Smith has no plans to give up the privileges that come with it.

“My team have done their job, we’ve got champion’s rights, champion gets home dressing room, it looks nice in there,” he laughed.

Billam-Smith has claimed in the lead-up to the fight that Riakporhe’s efforts to showcase his boxing skills have detracted from the knockout power that has fuelled his rise to world title contention.

“That’s complete nonsense, I think it’s a psychological tactic trying to get into my mind,” said Riakporhe. “I have real power.”

Riakporhe has, meanwhile, maintained that he is the more evolved fighter since he handed Billam-Smith his only career loss back in July 2019.

“I’ve improved so much, it’s going to show, it’s shown already in my fights,” he added.

“I look back at fights at domestic level and people were like ‘he won’t win the British title, he will not go nowhere near the European title’, you can see my trajectory, it speaks for itself, I’m here fighting for a world title.

“I always prove the doubters wrong. I have what it takes to do not just this, a number on CBS, but way more.”

Riakporhe is relishing the support of his home fans when he takes centre stage in south London on Saturday night, insisting the pressure of fighting at Selhurst Park will only drive him towards victory.

“I tell everybody this, Crystal Palace fans are the best in the world, they come and support their own, that’s what it’s about,” he said.

“It will give me more energy when we’re fighting, I’ve never been in that position before where so many people back me, it was always me going into the other guy’s backyard fighting them.

“How can it change me for the worse? It will definitely make me fight better. Having my close friends around gives me more purpose and reminds me, don’t forget the journey.”

Only 30 per cent of tickets remain for Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe. Get your tickets now via Boxxer.com.

Watch Chris Billam-Smith defend his WBO cruiserweight world title against Richard Riakporhe at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park, live on Sky Sports on Saturday June 15; Stream the fight with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe: Start time, undercard, how to watch | Boxing News

On: June 11, 2024 By: admin

Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe collide in one of the biggest all-British fights of the year this Saturday – here’s all you need to know ahead of their cruiserweight world title showdown.

When is the Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe fight?

Riakporhe will challenge Billam-Smith for the WBO cruiserweight world title in the main event on Saturday June 15, with fans able to tune in to watch a bumper undercard from 6.30pm live on Sky Sports Action or stream instantly with NOW.

Where is the Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe fight taking place?

Billam-Smith enjoyed the outburst of support from his home fans when he dethroned former world champion Lawrence Okolie at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium last year. Now it is the turn of Riakporhe to soak up the love of his south London faithful when he welcomes Billam-Smith to Selhurst Park, the home of his team Crystal Palace.

What to know about both fighters?

Billam-Smith arrives as defending WBO cruiserweight world champion having clinched the belt by beating Okolie via majority decision after flooring the Londoner three times in Bournemouth back in May 2023. He has since retained the title by beating Mateusz Masternak following the Polish fighter’s eighth-round retirement in December.

Riakporhe comes in as the challenger with a perfect record to his name having stopped each of his last five opponents, most recently knocking out Dylan Bregeon in the second round in November.

Chris Billam-Smith stats

Age: 33
Height: 6ft 3in
Total fights: 20
Record: 19-1 (13 KOs)

Richard Riakporhe stats

Age: 34
Height: 6ft 5in
Total fights: 17
Record: 17-0 (13 KOs)

Where does the rivalry come from?

There is history there. Riakporhe famously handed Billam-Smith the only defeat of his professional career to date when he edged a split-decision victory at The O2 in July 2019.

Billam-Smith has since regularly disputed the decision, with the judges scoring the fight 97-92, 95-94 and 93-96 in favour of Riakporhe.

While it has served as a prominent talking point during the build-up, both men have played down suggestions their first fight will hold any influence heading into Saturday.

Who is on the undercard?

The Ben Whittaker show resumes as the Olympian encounters surprise challenger Ezra Arenyeka, who made a name for himself by gatecrashing his opponent’s press conference ahead of his last fight against Leon Willings. In doing so the undefeated Arenyeka talked his way to a shot against rising star Whittaker, who is looking to send a message to any fighter thinking of doing the same thing.

Whittaker is 7-0 as a professional following his unanimous-decision win over Willings in March, while Arenyeka enters 12-0.

Dan Azeez (20-1, 13 KOs) returns to action for the first time since February’s unanimous decision loss to Joshua Buatsi when he fights Hrvoje Sep (12-2).

Isaac Chamberlain (16-2, 8 KOs) challenges Poland’s Michal Cieslak (25-2, 19 KOs) for the European cruiserweight title following October’s win over Mikael Lawal to become British and Commonwealth champion.

Francesca Hennessy (3-0) also continues her rise to stardom, with the 19-year-old bantamweight prospect having emerged as one of the most exciting talents in boxing.

What has been said?

Chris Billam-Smith:

“If there’s more pressure on me then brilliant. I said that last year there was no more pressure in my career than that fight [against Okolie]. I loved it and I loved the pressure, and for me there’s this huge amount of pressure on me in this fight because there’s a legacy at stake.

“Me and Richard are the last two of the current crop of cruiserweights. Richard is the last one on the current British cruiserweight hitlist and I’ve just got to get over the line.

“I think he’s a massive step from where he’s been in terms of headlining, the type of opponent, the experience that his opponents have had in the past and where they’re at in their career.

“This is a very hungry version of me. I’m a much better fighter than I was last time, that’s for sure, and much better than anyone he’s faced. I think it’s a big, big leap in levels.

“He thought he knew who I was, but in the last 18 months, I’m a completely different animal. The confidence has come on in leaps and bounds since we last fought, I’m a dangerous man and everyone knows that.”

Richard Riakporhe:

“He’s got one loss on the record, on his impressive record. I’m just going to do it again, that’s the plan. I need to double that number, that’s the aim, that’s my goal.

“What makes it so much better and tantalising is that there’s a world title belt on the line. I have the confidence already because I beat him already. But because this world title’s on the line, I feel like I’m just ready to go to another place.

“I want to put on a performance that cannot be questioned. People are going to know the difference between me and ‘The Gentleman’. There’s a big difference. I believe that I’m a level above.

“I do believe that power is enough to deal with Chris Billam-Smith. My power in particular is enough to deal with him. No matter whether he’s winning rounds or not. I just need to land the correct shot and he’s gone.

“I’m going for the KO, that’s all I want to do. Chris Billam-Smith has made a big mistake. He’s going to be looking back 20 years from now, regretting taking this fight and I’m going to still be visiting him in his dreams like Freddy Krueger.”

Watch Chris Billam-Smith defend his WBO cruiserweight world title against Richard Riakporhe at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park, live on Sky Sports on Saturday June 15; Ben Whittaker and Dan Azeez feature on the undercard. You can also stream the event through NOW TV.

Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe in dressing-room row ahead of world title clash at Selhurst Park | Boxing News

On: June 10, 2024 By: admin

A disagreement over who gets the home dressing room is threatening to boil over behind the scenes as Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe prepare to face off for the WBO cruiserweight world title at Selhurst Park this Saturday.

As defending champion, Billam-Smith is keen to exercise his right to the home dressing room, while Crystal Palace supporter Riakporhe, who played an instrumental role in bringing the fight to the home of the Premier League club, believes it should belong to him.

“Usually, the home fighter gets the first choice of dressing room,” explains promoter Ben Shalom.

“In this instance Chris is the champion but Richard is the local lad, he’s got the connection with the club, and he wants to be in the home dressing room.”

As it stands neither fighter is willing to budge, and with the fight night fast approaching a resolution is still required ahead of the stadium event.

The British cruiserweight rivals previously met back in July 2019 when Riakporhe emerged victorious via split decision, handing now-champion Billam-Smith what remains his only career defeat to date.

Billam-Smith received the support of his home fans when he challenged, and ultimately beat, former world champion Lawrence Okolie at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium last year.

Riakporhe is now preparing to welcome the 33-year-old into his own back yard in what will serve as his first world title opportunity.