Richard Riakporhe maintains belief that Chris Billam-Smith is on the decline ahead of world title rematch

RICHARD RIAKPORHE continues to consider that Chris Billam-Smith is exhibiting indicators of deterioration ahead of their rematch on Saturday night time (June 15).

The two Brits meet at Selhurst Park – the dwelling of Crystal Palace Football Club – with Billam-Smith’s WBO cruiserweight title on the line. Five years in the past it was Riakporhe who bought the nod in a non-title bout over 10 rounds beating Billam-Smith on a cut up choice.

Twelve-round contests are a special beast, nonetheless, and the fighter themselves are a far completely different proposition to what they had been in 2019. Since then Billam-Smith, 19-1 (13 KOs), has received 10 out of 10 together with that monumental victory towards Lawrence Okolie to win the WBO title 13 months in the past.

The Billam-Smith preventing fashion might begin off poised and in management however usually it doesn’t take too lengthy for the 33-year-old to have interaction in a battle of will, dedication and sturdiness. When these unteachable qualities have seen him over the line he has wanted to soak up the firepower coming in the wrong way to win. Some consider the quantity he has taken is to his detriment and there are indicators that he could also be on the slide. Something that Saturday night time’s title challenger agrees with.

Speaking at right this moment’s last press convention Riakporhe, 17-0 (13 KOs), mentioned, “To be honest I’ve by no means actually watched Chris. I’ve been at his fights however I used to be extra watching it as a boxing fan. And generally I’ll go and see feedback about his efficiency. To say the least it isn’t actually good, rather a lot of folks talked about his deterioration.

“That’s when I thought let me see what this deterioration is about. When I watch the fights back from a technical analysis I’m seeing a lot of gaps. It’s a normal wear and tear. When you’re taking too many shots and gifted with a chin like CBS, it’s science, you can’t avoid it – can’t stay in our prime forever.”

Billam-Smith dismissed the very thought that he is on the decline.

“My answer to deterioration is he’s just hoping for it and that’s what he’s hoping for. There’s no decline and you’ll see that on Saturday night,” he replied.

While the decline of ‘The Gentleman’ isn’t a indisputable fact one factor that can’t be denied is the distinction in expertise between the two. The champion is making the second defence of his world title and headlined his personal stadium present – at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium final 12 months – together with indoor venue occasions in his dwelling city.

The champion suited and booted however rejects any claims he is on the decline. Pic: Lawrence Lustig/Boxxer

Billam-Smith is clearly conscious of this and spoke about the topic when questioned by host Andy Scott earlier right this moment.

“All the experience of world championship fights I’ve had… the camps, being on those big shows, headlining all those shows, [I’ll] use that experience and go in and perform. The experience is everything before going in to that stadium fight where I’d luckily headlined shows back home and had that big occasion which was a great experience going into that stadium fight.”

South London’s Riakporhe will likely be the dwelling favorite on Saturday night time with the lion’s share of help at the dwelling of the soccer membership he helps – Crystal Palace. It’s a brand new expertise altogether however one which he is relishing.

“I’m very excited,” he mentioned.

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time and I’m just hungry. I’m ready to challenge and take this title and challenge for more titles.”