AFTER weeks of ready, it was confirmed right this moment that Chris Billam-Smith will defend his WBO Cruiserweight title in opposition to necessary challenger Richard Riakporhe this summer time.
The date is ready for June 15 open air at Selhurst Park – the house of Riakporhe’s favorite soccer staff Crystal Palace FC – on a Boxxer promotion to be broascast dwell on Sky Sports. Not solely will Billam-Smith, 19-1 (13), be defending his belt for a second time he additionally will get the prospect to precise revenge on Riakporhe, 17-0 (13), having misplaced to the Londoner in July 2019.
Five years in the past, the pair fought on the undercard of Dillian Whyte vs. Oscar Rivas at the O2 Arena in London. Billam-Smith and Riakporhe went the 10-round distance for a minor WBA strap, nevertheless it was the latter who bought the nod on a cut up resolution with judges Leszek Jankowiak and Salvador Silva scoring it 95-94 and 97-92 for Riakporhe whereas Terry O’Connor returned a card of 96-93 for Billam-Smith. Bob Williams was the referee on the evening.
Each fighter has remained undefeated since then. Billam-Smith has racked up 10 wins on the spin in opposition to the likes of Tommy McCarthy (on two events), Isaac (*15*) and most memorably his world title win when he dethroned Lawrence Okolie 11 months in the past.
Billam-Smith gained house benefit on the evening when he tackled his former gym-mate at the Vitality Stadium the house of Bournemouth AFC – who depend “The Gentleman” as one in every of their largest followers. The struggle itself was forgettable however the challenger bought the higher of Okolie over the gap, successful a majority resolution. His first defence, in December, was a difficult affair in opposition to Polish veteran Mateusz Masternak who stored the champion sincere till he retired within the eighth spherical with a rib damage.
Riakporhe’s path since July 2019 has consisted of seven fights and 7 wins in opposition to contenders reminiscent of Jack Massey, Olanrewaju Duradola, Deion Jumah and Fabio Turchi. Since teaming up with Ben Shalom and Boxxer the 34-year-old has showcased his brutal energy punching ending his final 5 fights inside the gap.
It was reported final month that phrases had been agreed for the Billam-Smith vs. Riakporhe sequel however promoter Ben Shalom had hoped to announce it sooner somewhat than later. However, the venue had been one thing of a sticking level.
Returning to the Vitality Stadium had been dominated out and on March 31 Billam-Smith defined to Boxing News – having simply watched Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke produce a contemporary heavyweight basic – why he wished a return to the O2 Arena as soon as once more to face Riakporhe.
“I want to do it here [the O2 Arena]. This is the place of the first fight. It makes sense, the history is there. We can’t do AFC Bournemouth, which is a shame. The time of year, they can’t do the pitch. But let’s do it back here. What a venue it is for a big event. It’ll be another big event like it was tonight.”
Billam-Smith, who has a sizeable fan base in Bournemouth to depend on, believes Riakporhe isn’t a ticket vendor like he’s. On June 15 we get to see how in style the challenger is having secured the largest struggle of his profession on his personal patch.
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