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What next for Richard Riakporhe – move up for Lawrence Okolie grudge match at bridgerweight? | Boxing News

On: June 17, 2024 By: admin

Richard Riakporhe never planned on defeat. But he suffered a painful loss when challenging Chris Billam-Smith for the WBO cruiserweight title on Saturday.

The setback will be all the more difficult for him to process as the loss he never envisaged taking occurred in front of his home fans at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park stadium.

Billam-Smith brought all his experience to bear to make sure of a clear unanimous decision win, but that was the Londoner’s first world championship bout and he will learn from it.

When Riakporhe does return he will have options. He remains a big, physical cruiserweight and is a noted power-puncher.

In fact, Riakporhe is so big he could certainly move up in weight and if he does leave the division, he has a ready-made rival in Hackney’s Lawrence Okolie.

The two already have a feud, which includes a past altercation at a film premiere.

Okolie used to hold the WBO cruiserweight title and lost it to Billam-Smith last year. He then moved up to the new ‘bridgerweight’ division, a weight class at 224lbs that is only recognised by the WBC and the WBA.

Even before boxing Billam-Smith, Riakporhe had a sense that he could outgrow the division.

“There’s bridgerweight now,” he told Sky Sports when speculating about his future.

“The WBA have bridgerweight and there’s the WBC. Okolie’s the champion as well, so that’s even more fights, and then we’ve got the heavyweight which is practically the same thing. [Oleksandr] Usyk is pretty much a bridgerweight, [Deontay] Wilder’s been a bridgerweight.”

Okolie knocked out the WBC’s champion at that weight, Lukasz Rozanski, beating him in just one round in the Pole’s hometown of Rzeszow to take the belt.

Riakporhe commended that performance. “He did really well and congratulations to him. I was happy for him as well because I heard he’d been through a lot. Even when he was having the fight with Chris Billam-Smith, a lot of people don’t know,” he said. “A lot of things were going on.

“That’s what we want,” he added. “I wouldn’t want to fight a half-pint Okolie.”

Renewing that rivalry, though, was certainly a target for him.

“I would like that,” Riakporhe said. “I would really like that. I think that would be great for London. East versus south. The build up would be crazy and a lot of people want to see that fight.

“When Okolie went up, I was looking at the social media comments and everybody was upset. Why? Because they wanted to see me versus Okolie. We can rekindle that.”

Chris Billam-Smith targets Gilberto Ramirez world title unification after Richard Riakporhe triumph | Boxing News

On: June 16, 2024 By: admin

Chris Billam-Smith settled his score with Richard Riakporhe, avenging his only previous professional defeat and defending the WBO cruiserweight world title for a second time.

It was his second world title fight at a Premier League football stadium against a British rival.

Now he has set his sights on a trip overseas and becoming a unified champion.

Gilberto Ramirez, the WBA cruiserweight titlist, is the opponent he wants next and he’s willing to go to the US to make that fight.

“I’d be really honoured. It would be crazy to make more memories out there,” Billam-Smith told Sky Sports News.

“I want to fight in America. Every Brit’s dream is obviously to fight in their home football team’s stadium and then go to America. Ricky Hatton had it.

“‘Zurdo’ Ramirez is the WBA champion. I would love that belt, that’s the one George Groves won. I would love to fight him [Ramirez] out there, he fights out there so that makes it a possibility.”

Billam-Smith first won the WBO world title in his Bournemouth hometown when he upset Lawrence Okolie at the Vitality stadium.

This weekend he travelled to Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park stadium to take on Riakporhe at his club.

Once again it was Billam-Smith who rose to the occasion. That prior experience against Okolie at the Vitality stadium helped him but so did: “Everything through my career. The experience and the tough fights, the bad performances, the good performances.

“The experience I had being around George Groves, Luke Campbell, Josh Taylor. Barry McGuigan comes and watches most spars, if not all of them, when you’ve got that knowledge around you and that experience around you, you’re constantly learning and that’s why the gym has so much success because we’ve got that conveyor belt of champions.”

Ultimately Billam-Smith took a clear unanimous decision over Riakporhe, nullifying his challenger’s fearsome punch-power over the course of a rough 12 rounds.

“The gameplan was perfect,” he said. “[Felt] really comfortable throughout. Had loads of energy left. The gameplan was don’t waste energy, don’t try and force the fight.

“He had a good start to the fight. He jabbed really well. I wasn’t moving enough. He was jabbing really well, then I started to get my movement in.

“I respect Richard. I’ve got a lot of respect for the fans,” he added. “We’re all Palace fans this summer, they’ve got plenty of players in the England team.

“A massive thank you to everyone who supported me. You’ve given me dreams back home and you’ve supported me away.”

For Billam-Smith his world title dreams just keep on getting bigger. He’s beaten his best rivals in Britain, fought in a stadium twice over. Now he wants to conquer America, and he wants Gilberto Ramirez next.

Chris Billam-Smith beats Richard Riakporhe to retain WBO cruiserweight world title at Selhurst Park | Boxing News

On: June 15, 2024 By: admin

Chris Billam-Smith denied Richard Riakporhe a dream homecoming as he beat his British rival by unanimous decision to enact revenge and successfully defend his WBO cruiserweight world title at Selhurst Park.

The reigning champion delivered a calculated, controlled performance to nullify the power of his opponent and spoil the Riakporhe party at the home of Crystal Palace.

It was not only a title defence but sweet payback for ‘The Gentleman’, who five years earlier had suffered the only defeat of his career to Riakporhe in a tight split decision. This time, he left no doubt, taking it 116-111, 115-112, 115-112 on the cards.

A prominent talking point during the build-up to the fight had been which of the two had improved more since their first outing, Billam-Smith adamant he had grown into a completely different competitor since 2019. Riakporhe learned how right he was.

“Very satisfying,” he said. “I’m really pleased with the performance.

“Experience, speed and the gameplan” made the difference, he explained.

“Forget all the build-up,” he continued. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Richard he’s a great fighter, he just needed a little bit more experience and he’ll learn from that.”

Riakporhe cut a composed figure amid the chaos as he worked behind his jab during the early exchanges while finding his range with two dangerous looking right hands, the noise of which would prompt gasps from the anticipant crowd.

Billam-Smith settled into his own rhythm in the second round with a first real flurry to force Riakporhe into tying him up at the ropes, which soon became an early theme as the pair continued to find themselves tangled on the inside.

A mis-timed right hand from Riakporhe served as a warning as it threatened an opening for Billam-Smith, whose right-hand reply was evaded.

Riakporhe underlined his power with a firm left hook as the two backed onto the ropes, the fight falling into a slightly ugly stagnant phase with neither man able to unlock a meaningful combination.

The war of attrition moved into the fourth when the two traded brutal body shots, before Billam-Smith reminded of his toughness while brushing through a right hook.

Billam-Smith began to land the clean shots behind a sharper jab while Riakporhe appeared the more hesitant of the two, seemingly in wait of one decisive shot to breach his opponent’s championed grit.

By round seven it was Billam-Smith firmly in control as the busier, more accurate fighter with Riakporhe beginning to look frustrated with how the contest had been panning out for him as another intended assault in the corner came up shy.

Billam-Smith strengthened his grip on the fight in the eighth when he unleashed a hook to rock Riakporhe, who was left hanging over the corner of the ring. ‘The Midnight Train’ sought to respond with a huge right hand, only to again be reminded of Billam-Smith’s granite chin.

Knowing he was behind, Riakporhe began to let his hands go in the closing rounds and connected with a crushing right only to see his momentum stalled by an accidental low blow from the challenger.

Champion’s experience soon told as Billam-Smith closed out what might be deemed a career-best performance with two clinical final rounds, as much being sealed for good when Riakporhe was deducted a point for the use of his head in a clench.

Chris Billam-Smith plots ‘perfect revenge’ as Richard Riakporhe warns: Nobody can hit like me | Boxing News

On: June 15, 2024 By: admin

Richard Riakporhe’s fighting nickname is ‘The Midnight Train’. Does that make Chris Billam-Smith ‘The Little Engine That Could’?

After all, even though Billam-Smith is the world champion going into this fight, he is widely considered the underdog against this challenger.

For many he exceeded expectations when becoming a British champion, let alone European and then WBO world cruiserweight titlist.

Billam-Smith gives a strained but polite laugh at the analogy. “I don’t know who gave him that nickname,” he said of Riakporhe.

“He likes to come up with lots of different words, and poems, and names for things and metaphors. He’s trying but they’re not the best. He’s no Muhammad Ali, is he? I guess everyone loves a trier.

“But none of that will matter.”

In the days leading up to this fight, Billam-Smith has exuded a calm confidence with his close-knit training team and family all around him.

He has after all been here before. He won the world championship when he beat Lawrence Okolie at the Vitality Stadium in his Bournemouth hometown. He has defended it in a tough fight with Mateusz Masternak and has ambitions of title unifications.

Riakporhe does not have that track record. Billam-Smith believes his challenger will be feeling nerves before the first bell chimes on Saturday night.

“I think the closer the fight will get the more he will realise what a big occasion it is and the show’s built around him, isn’t it? That’s going to take its toll for sure if he can’t deal with it,” the champion told Sky Sports.

“He’s coming from boxing on an undercard, quite low down the bill in Wolverhampton, against a low-level opponent to where we’re at now and he hasn’t really had any acid tests. So all that will come to his mind I think.

“It’s another great occasion for me. Which is what I love anyway, otherwise I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in. It’ll be interesting to see how he deals with it.”

Winning this would mean Billam-Smith will have beaten every man he has faced as a professional. Riakporhe is the only opponent to have beaten him after taking a split-decision victory over him in 2019.

Billam-Smith, though, is plotting what he considers would be the perfect revenge. When they fight at Selhurst Park, Billam-Smith is planning not only on beating him literally on home turf, but on knocking him out there.

“Here we are at another football stadium, which I’m not going to complain about either. It’s great to be involved in these occasions and for it to be another domestic world title fight is amazing and the fact that I get to avenge a loss is the cherry on top. It’s a great position,” Billam-Smith said.

“I’ll rip the script up again. That’s how it feels. That’s how this whole fight feels. It feels like the Lawrence fight, in terms of he’s getting bigged up in terms of being the favourite or what not.

“I’ve come up against punch power and his punch power before and there’s a lot more to boxing than just punch power, especially in a 12-round fight.

“How he deals with my pace and intensity will be an interesting factor and that will definitely tire him out. We’ll have to wait and see.

“That’s always the game plan, to put on a good performance and get the stoppage. Sometimes it comes, sometimes it doesn’t. I’m feeling very confident.”

He suggests that, even if Riakporhe can land his best shot, he can take it and keep on pressing forward. “I think when someone does that to you it’s very disheartening,” Billam-Smith said.

Riakporhe, naturally, does not expect to unravel. Their first fight was close with the referee ruling a knockdown against Billam-Smith which the latter still disputes.

This time, Riakporhe reckons, he will fully put Billam-Smith down and keep him there.

On a run of five stoppage victories, Riakporhe has been striking with merciless force. Frazer Clarke, a heavyweight and an Olympic bronze medallist, sparred with gym-mate Riakporhe ahead of his outstanding British title fight with Fabio Wardley.

Clarke identified Riakporhe as the hardest puncher he has been in the ring with. That is quite a claim given that Clarke has boxed or sparred some of the biggest hitters in the world, Anthony Joshua and Olympic gold medallist Bakhodir Jalolov among them.

Riakporhe considers himself the heaviest puncher in the country, not just at cruiser, heavyweight included.

“I believe that I am. A lot of people say that I do. I have a gift. That’s my gift and all I do is want to show the world it’s a blessing, and it can be a curse if I don’t prepare myself diligently,” he told Sky Sports.

“People say that. To be honest I don’t know anybody that can hit like me. I’ve got a different type of punch.

“The punch doesn’t just hurt. It takes your spiritual energy as well. It zaps you. People wouldn’t understand. The word I would refer to it as is the ‘vim’. The vim. I would say the vim. It’s got that vim on it.

“Once it touches you, it’s sapping your energy, sapping your life out of you.”

He rejects Billam-Smith’s suggestion he is nervous going into the biggest night of his professional career.

“Now we’re here, I’m happy. I knew it was going to come eventually,” Riakporhe said. “The most important thing was not just receiving an opportunity but being prepared for it. I’m prepared for it so we’re ready to go.

“I feel like where I am now in my career, this is perfect timing for me. When people say you’ve been waiting for too long, I think no this is just perfect timing.”

He concluded: “You just have to relax, enjoy the moment and do what you’re trained to do. Simple.”

That last point surely is one Billam-Smith can agree on too. Perhaps the fight will ultimately be simple. It might just come down to who can hit, hurt and take the pain and pressure best.

Billam-Smith is convinced that will be him. Riakporhe is certain it will not.

Which of them is wrong, we will only find out once the bell rings, the crowd roars and the real fight is on.

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; or Stream with NOW

Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe – who wins? Expert predictions ahead of the WBO cruiserweight world championship clash | Boxing News

On: June 15, 2024 By: admin

Experts and pundits have their say ahead of Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe’s clash for the WBO cruiserweight world title at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park stadium on Saturday.

Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe collide in one of the biggest all-British fights of the year on Saturday with fans able to tune in to watch a bumper undercard from 6.30 pm live on Sky Sports or stream instantly with NOW.

Johnny Nelson (Former WBO cruiserweight champion):

“Richard Riakporhe stops Chris Billam-Smith inside the distance. The only thing we can doubt is, can he go to the well and dig deep when there’s nothing there?

“We’ve seen Chris Billam-Smith do it. We haven’t seen it from Richard Riakporhe, because he’s not had to do it, and so if he has to dig deep, that’s when you think: ‘oh my goodness.’ That’s where you favour Chris Billam-Smith. But I think Richard Riakporhe, now is the time he’s got to shine. Now’s the time [for] a career-best and a career-best should do the job.”

Barry Jones (Former world champion):

“I do make Billam-Smith the favourite. Just from experience, dealing with the pressure. I think he is a better fighter than he was, as Riakporhe is.

“But the activity and the not being afraid to be in range of a shot. He’s aware that he has to take that educated risk. Dining out on your chin is a worry but he understands that he has to be in that range to land his own shots. I think he’s willing to commit to that.

“I just think he’s a smarter fighter overall than when they first met. Riakporhe, even though I think he’s neater than he was, ultimately it will boil down to how much he can land with that right hand and that left hook, and I just feel like Billam-Smith will be able to stunt that distance and have more success.”

Jack Massey (Has boxed both):

“It’s a tough one. It’s a very tough one. I’ve sort of been flitting between the two. I’m swaying towards Riakporhe. Just a bit more power, a bit stronger and just going off Billam-Smith’s last performance [against Mateusz Masternak], that’s what I’m going off.”

Spencer Oliver (Former European champion):

“I think both guys have developed a lot since that first fight. They were at the beginning stages of their careers in that first fight.

“Chris Billam-Smith has had that 10-fight unbeaten run since that fight back in 2019 and he’s proven he’s tough. He goes to that place in a fight where it’s not easy to turn it around and he’s shown that championship material by showing that quality to be able to turn it around. We haven’t seen that of Richard Riakporhe yet.

“Richard’s unbeaten and got himself into that mandatory position. His development’s been slightly different but what Richard’s gained from the first fight that he never had is the fact that he believes in himself. With Richard in that first fight, even though he won the fight, he never believed in himself. You could see that in his performance where he wouldn’t quite step in, was a little bit tense. He’s now at that stage where he does believe in himself.

“And that’s why I lean towards Riakporhe to win this contest.”

Duke McKenzie (Former three-weight world champion)

“It’s a good fight and that’s what the crowd are here to see and that’s what they’re going to see. It’s going to be explosive because they’ve already got history together.

“I would lean towards Riakporhe simply because I think he’d be the more improved of the two. I don’t think Billam-Smith can change. I think once he gets hit, Billam-Smith… for me, he’s a little bit too flat-footed, there’s not enough head movement and he doesn’t rely on his boxing ability, he wants to fight.

“If he could change his game a little bit, he’d stand a better chance of winning. Smarts win fights and I just think Riakporhe is going to be a little bit too smart for him.”

Matt Christie (Leading boxing journalist):

“This is an exceptionally difficult fight to call, much like the first time they met. Since then, both have unquestionably improved yet it is the level to which Billam-Smith has risen that makes his trajectory steeper.

“Consequently, given Billam-Smith’s superior experience, both on the world stage and in 12-round championship fights, I lean towards him edging out Riakporhe on points.”

Ellie Scotney (IBF & WBO bantamweight world champion):

“When you compare the fighters who shared the ring all those years ago, when you compare their careers, the best fighter on Richard’s record is Chris by a country mile.

“You look at Chris, you look who he’s boxed – Lawrence Okolie, who was the bogeyman of the division, no one wanted to touch him but he hits very hard. Chris has a way to always find a way to win. I think the intensity and the tenacity, he’ll break Richard down the longer stretch, so I’m backing a Billam-Smith stoppage win.

“We see the best of Chris when no one believes in him and his back is against the wall, and I think he’ll shut people up on Saturday.”

Bradley Skeete (Former British champion)

“I’m going to go with Riakporhe. It’s all set up for him; Crystal Palace, his home town, I think he’ll come through with a late stoppage.

“I like Billam-Smith a lot, he’s a great champion, I wish him all the best, but I’ll go with Riakporhe for this one. I think Riakporhe will be inspired by the home crowd. Chris is always in Bournemouth, the support he gets there is unbelievable, it could be the same for Richard.”

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.

Lawrence Okolie would beat Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe at bridgerweight, says Macaulay McGowan | Boxing News

On: June 14, 2024 By: admin

Over the next two days gym-mates Macaulay McGowan and Jack Massey could both win European championships.

Massey takes on Isaac Chamberlain for the cruiserweight title on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, while McGowan boxes Abass Baraou for the super-welterweight belt in Bolton on Friday.

He knows Baraou is a daunting opponent. “I expect a really tough fight and I’m looking to bring the best of me and get the win,” McGowan told Sky Sports. “I don’t see any weaknesses in him!

“I’ve fought good fighters, I’ve been in with some really top fighters and it’s just all the same. I’ve just got to believe in myself and what I do.

“If I apply myself and do what I need to do I think I can drag him into my gameplan and make this a really good fight and get the win. I am really confident.”

He added: “I’ve been in with Sergio Martinez, I’m not really worried about anybody else.”

McGowan has had an up and down career. Since his loss to Martinez in 2022 he’s only been defeated once. That was a split-decision reverse last year to Tyler Denny who went on to become the European middleweight champion himself.

Earlier in 2023 he also ventured on to enemy territory when he took on Farrhad Saad in Paris and was unfortunate to come away with only a draw.

This next fight though could be the high point of his career. McGowan had a unique metaphor to describe what victory would feel like for him. He likened it to Patrick Swayze singing ‘She’s Like the Wind’.

“Right at the end Wendy Frazer comes in and sings the harmonies. It adds to the song and it just makes the whole song,” he said enthusiastically.

“And this is my career – 20 years I’ve been Patrick Swayze in ‘She’s Like the Wind’. It’s coming, that big moment’s coming and it doesn’t. It goes back down. And then something changes in the instrumental, Wendy Frazer turns up – boom – and she hits the notes and it’s like, wow, what a great song.

“So this on Friday is my Wendy Frazer moment.”

McGowan will be first of trainer Joe Gallagher’s fighters from the Champs Camp gym in Manchester in action this week.

“By Sunday we could have two European champions,” McGowan said. “We train hard, we set our standards high and we expect these results.

“Jack’s been looking well and I think he knocks Isaac Chamberlain out.”

An inspiring new addition to their gym has been Lawrence Okolie. Now trained by Gallagher, he came back from his loss to Chris Billam-Smith to knock out Lukasz Rozanski in one round and win the WBC’s bridgerweight title.

“We’ve seen him come a bit unmotivated, a bit heavy,” McGowan said. “We could see the transformation from that guy to world champion in a short space of time so it gave everyone a lift.”

He believes this version of Okolie would beat either Billam-Smith or Richard Riakporhe in his new 224lb weight class.

“He’s a force to be reckoned with. He wasn’t the guy I’ve seen on TV holding,” McGowan said of Okolie.

“If they could [move up] I think Lawrence knocks them both out.”

Final remaining tickets for Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe available 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; or Stream with NOW

Chris Billam-Smith admits nickname of ‘The Gentleman’ is deceptive as he plans brutal fight with Richard Riakporhe | Boxing News

On: June 13, 2024 By: admin

Chris Billam-Smith’s nickname of ‘The Gentleman’ is fitting for a family man who holds local charities close to his heart, but the WBO champion has prepared for a “brutal” revenge mission.

Billam-Smith has sharpened his skills for a treacherous WBO cruiserweight title defence against Richard Riakporhe in front of the challenger’s home crowd at Selhurst Park on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

However, at home, when spending time with his loved ones, there is a vastly-different approach from Billam-Smith, a husband and father.

“Boxing is a sport where you can’t be the person you need to be around your family,” said Billam-Smith.

“It’s a very brutal sport, and the mindset you have to get in on sparring days – you don’t really want your family to be around.

“When you’re around loved ones, you release oxytocin, which isn’t the hormone you need for boxing. You need a lot of adrenaline and testosterone.

“I’m quite good at turning that switch between being the boxing version of myself and the family version. It’s almost like you’re a character.”

It was at another Premier League stadium – the home of his beloved AFC Bournemouth – where he outpointed his former stablemate Lawrence Okolie just over a year ago.

The newly-crowned world champion dedicated the win to his mother who, before making a full recovery, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in her life.

“She’s always been my rock; my best mate,” he said. “We lived together for a while, just her and I, when my brothers had moved out and my mum and dad had split up.

“A couple of years ago I had my son, Frank, and she’s amazing with him. They’ve got a real, special bond. She’s definitely where I get my fighting spirit from.”

Away from boxing, there are two constants that will always be central to Billam-Smith’s life: family and Bournemouth.

As a well-supported, high-profile athlete, his presence is felt by a number of local charities; one of which, the Bournemouth Foodbank, he is an ambassador for.

After visiting their warehouse – which was full of food – and being told they had just one to two months’ worth of stock, he was, quite emphatically, left stunned by the magnitude of the charity’s work.

“My wife ended up in tears,” he said. “She just couldn’t believe it, seeing how many people are in dire need, especially now with the cost of living going up.

“It was eye-opening beyond belief, really. All the staff are lovely, and they put on some really good events.

“It’s more than just food. There’s some really amazing people down there who make such an important difference in the area.”

As a life-long Bournemouth fan, Billam-Smith has developed a strong partnership with his boyhood football club which, in turn, has opened the door to several opportunities.

He has, in a rather unconventional sense, learnt more about the players by hosting a brand-new series on the AFC Bournemouth YouTube channel, which is filmed at a local restaurant.

Billam-Smith asks a sequence of questions and the players can respond by either providing an answer or, if they are brave enough, tucking into an extra-hot chicken wing.

“It’s been great fun,” he said. “To host something like that – and I’m not known for my hosting skills – I was quite pleased with how I did in the end.

“It was very nerve-wracking for me at first, but to sit there with the lads was phenomenal.

“It is two of my favourite things in one place: AFC Bournemouth and Chicken & Blues.”

A closer relationship with the team has inspired Billam-Smith to consider which players would make the best boxers.

“Looking at the strength of Antoine [Semenyo], I think he’d be pretty handy, pretty powerful,” he said.

“Then you’ve got workhorses like Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie. I’m sure they’d be able to turn their hands to it as well.”

With an array of talent in both football and boxing, professional sport on the south coast has never shone brighter.

It is perhaps, for this reason, that Billam-Smith feels an added desire – beyond wishing to exact revenge on a former opponent – to come through his next fight in comprehensive fashion.

While it was Riakporhe who emerged victorious following their first encounter back in 2019, a much-improved version of ‘The Gentleman’ will be looking to put on a more refined performance when they clash for the second time.

“[Riakporhe] is not a high work-rate fighter, and he won’t want to be that against me because I’d just tire him out,” he said.

“It’ll be interesting to see how he deals with my pace, which is always intense.”

Riakporhe has ruthlessly stopped his last five opponents, but, come fight night, Billam-Smith is confident he will negate his rival’s devastating power.

“I can just keep a really high work-rate, for a really long time,” he said. “My engine, my fitness and my heart is all there, and a lot of cruiserweights can’t live with that pace.

“Anyone in the world would struggle with that [pace], I believe.”

Final remaining tickets for Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe available 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; or Stream with NOW

FREE STREAM: Watch Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe at the final press conference ahead of world title fight | Boxing News

On: June 13, 2024 By: admin

Long-time rivals Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe go head-to-head at the final press conference ahead of their WBO cruiserweight world title fight.

The champion Billam-Smith is seeking revenge for his 2019 loss to the Londoner and will put his title on the line at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park stadium this Saturday live on Sky Sports.

Watch the live stream of their final press conference from 1pm.

The undercard sees rising light-heavyweight sensation Ben Whittaker take on outspoken opponent Ezra Arenyeka.

Isaac Chamberlain meets Jack Massey in what promises to be a closely contested European cruiserweight championship clash. The winner of that fight will expect to move on to world level and will have a close eye on the main event.

Dan Azeez looks to bounce back from his first defeat in February to Joshua Buatsi. He will fight Hrvoje Sep, the latter an elite amateur looking to make an impact as a professional.

Francesca Hennessy and more will also be on the bill.

Final remaining tickets for Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe available 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; or Stream with NOW

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.

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Johnny Nelson (Former WBO cruiserweight champion):

Barry Jones (Former world champion):

Jack Massey (Has boxed both):

Spencer Oliver (Former European champion):

Ringwalk times

Duke McKenzie (Former three-weight world champion)

Matt Christie (Leading boxing journalist):

Ellie Scotney (IBF & WBO bantamweight world champion):

Bradley Skeete (Former British champion)

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

When is the Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe fight?

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

What to know about both fighters?

Chris Billam-Smith stats

Richard Riakporhe stats

Where does the rivalry come from?

Who is on the undercard?

What has been said?